Part B Asking questions before, during, and after you read a text is an excellent reading strategy. Asking questions allows you to explore the deeper meaning of a text.

Remember to first think about any questions you have before you read to establish a purpose and focus for reading.
Then, ask questions during your reading process about any unclear or confusing ideas you encounter.
After you read, ask questions related to ideas you think are interesting or want to learn more about.
As you read, be sure to look for and note answers to your questions in the table.

Reread the passage from Under the Mesquite. In the worksheet, write two questions before, during, and after you read. Then enter your questions in the following table:

Part D What is your overall opinion of this passage and its free-verse structure? In 50 to 100 words, explain your position using evidence from the passage from Under the Mesquite.

Part F
Can you make any personal connections to the passage from Under the Mesquite? Do you see any connections between the text and other texts? Or do you see connections to issues or events currently happening in society?

Tip: Can you find where in the passage the author refers to the fairytale character Cinderella? This reference is one example of a direct connection with other texts.

Fill in the table using complete sentences and update your worksheet by underlining these connections in the passage.