Ms. Hume - 10th English
Spring Semester – Unit One: Short Stories from 10th Grade English Anthology
Reading Response Strategies
For this unit, we will be reading various short stories from the 10th English Anthology and from other
sources as well. Use the following guidelines for completing your weekly homework responses to the
various readings. Come up with (at least) two questions in each of the four categories noted below for
each reading assignment. (8 questions minimum for each assigned reading). Learn to distinguish
between the types of questions you will shape in response to the readings.
Factual Questioning (evidence is directly stated in the text)
Examples from: “The Censors”
1) Where does Juan work?
2) What was his primary reason for applying for the censor's job?
3) Who is responsible for Juan's execution?
Interpretive Questions or Interactive Questions Within the Text (that arise as you read):
Examples from: “The Censors”
1) What characteristics does Juan exhibit at the beginning of the story? and at the end?
2) What brings about the changes in Juan's character?
3) What does the story seem to be saying about the effect of a dictatorship on the individual?
Defining Literary Elements Within the Story: (see handout “Literary Elements)
Examples from: “The Censors”
1) What theme might this story be suggesting?
2) Explain any irony in the ending of this story.
3) Describe the satire present in this story.
4) Who is the narrator? Define whether 1st or 3rd Point of View and the focus the narrator brings to
the story.
Evaluative Questions or Extensions Beyond the Text:
1) Some U.S. government employees (for example, those in security jobs) agree to sign away their
right of free speech. Do you believe that a group should be able to make such demands on individuals?
Why or why not?
2) Can you think of other forms of censorship that are practiced in your country? Do you think they are
necessary? Explain.
Hume – Short Story Thematic Focus
Revised 1/31/10
Thematic Focus in 10th English Anthology and Scott Foresman World Anthology:
Theme One: Dealing with Consequences
1) “He-y, Come on Ou-t!” Scott Foresman World Anthology, p. 156
2) “Hell Screen” - 10th English Anthology, C-1
Theme Two: Making Judgments/Stereotypes
3) “Half-Closed Eyes of the Buddha & the Slowly Setting Sun”, 10th English Anth. D-13
4) “An Insolvable Problem of Genetics”, 10th English Anthology, D-20
Theme Three: Many Kinds of Heroes
7) “And of Clay Are We Created” - Scott Foresman World Anthology, p. 396
8) Readings on “Everyday heroes”
Theme Four: Magical Realism as Social Commentary
8) “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” (handout)
9) “The Youngest Doll” - 10th English Anthology, C-41
10) “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Marquez (handout)
Theme Four: Surrealism
11) “Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
12) “Super Frog Saves Tokyo” by Haruki Murakami