MW TEXAS AUTHORS – Tomas Rivera - The Portrait | Page 7

Find Meaning
Resolution
EXTEND UNDERSTANDING
Writing Options
Analyze Literature
Collaborative Learning
Creative Writing  Write a news report for a
local radio station about the incidents described
in the story. Remember that a good news report
begins with an attention-grabbing first line. Be
sure to answer the questions of who, what, where,
when, why, and how. Present your news report to
the class. List Setting Details  In small groups, discuss the
setting of “The Portrait.” Create a list of details
from the story that helped you determine the time
period and the locations. Use this list to analyze
how both time and place influence the theme or
message of the selection. Present your conclusions
to the class. Plot  Don Mateo confronting the
salesman at the vegetable stand is
the climax, and the portrait on display
in Don Mateo’s home represents the
resolution. Students’ explanations
about their predictions will vary.
Narrative Writing  In a brief story summary,
describe the problem faced by Don Mateo in the
story and the steps he takes to solve the problem.
Also consider the problem that the portrait
salesman has when Don Mateo wants him to
create the portrait of Chuy from memory. How
does he solve the problem? Does the story end
happily for Don Mateo? Explain. Lifelong Learning Program Resources
Research the Internet  Use the Internet to
gather information about Hispanic Americans who
served in the Korean War (1950–1953). Find out
about Hispanic-American recipients of the Medal
of Honor, and create a “Wall of Honor” for them in
the classroom.
Rubrics for Writing Options
You can adapt this as a checklist for students to use
as they write.
Creative Writing
n Does the news report begin with an attention-
grabbing first line?
n Does the report contain accurate facts and details?
n Does the report answer the questions who, what,
where, when, why, and how?
M 0026-0052_G07_U1_PE_Transmit_3-21-2018.indd 51
THE POrTrAIT
For further instruction, refer students
to the following extension activ-
ity: Lifelong Learning: Research the
Internet, Extension Activities, pp. 3–4.
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Narrative Writing
n Does the story summary describe the central
problem and its solution?
3/26/18
n Does the summary describe the salesman’s
problem and how he solved it?
n Does the summary evaluate the outcome?
1:59 PM
ELAR TEKS
5.C, 6.D, 6.G, 6.I
The Portrait 
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