Reading Guide

This handout provides questions and notes to help you consider how Tan and Rodriguez define
literacy, community, and identity in their essays. You do not need to turn this in with answers to
the questions, but you should use this reading guide to prepare for the in-class essay, which I will
use to evaluate your present strengths and weaknesses in writing for an academic audience.

Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” (170–4)

YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP5JcUoElt8

Based on the introduction to Tan’s essay, what do you find interesting about her motivation for
writing fiction?

What does Tan mean by different “Englishes” (170)?

Throughout the essay, Tan gives examples of her mother’s speech. What characteristics do you
think she admires and why? How does this encourage you to think about your dialects?

What opinion do you think Tan would like us to have about the speech of people who have
learned English as a second language?

What is Tan’s attitude towards standardized tests and why?

Richard Rodriguez’s “Aria” (139–45)

YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz2wLvK9p9Q&feature=channel

Does Rodriguez wish he had had a bilingual education? Why or why not?

What was his problem as a child, and why was it a problem?

Why do you think Rodriguez writes, “(Speak.)” after “Speak to us en inglés” (141)?

What does he consider the relationship between his learning English and losing Spanish at
home? How does he respond to that loss?

How did learning a second language change his family structure?

What does he say about language and individuality, or identity?

Why do you think he spells his name “Rich-heard” when “Rich-herd” would sound the same?

Synthesis
Both Tan and Rodriguez write about intimacy, public speaking, relationships with parents, and so
on. Think about the similarities and differences between their experiences.
In-class Essay Prompt
For the purpose of this essay, we will narrowly define “literacy” as the ability to communicate
with others through reading, writing, speaking, and listening to language. In your essay,
compare and contrast Tan’s and Rodriguez’s understanding of the relationship between literacy,
community, and identity. Then connect your analysis of these texts to how you perceive your
own identity. For example, you might ask yourself these questions:

 What contribution have your parents and/or mentors made to your language abilities?
 What kind of reading, writing, speaking, and listening do you feel shapes your identity
most?
 How do these language activities influence your relationship with other people?
 How has your literacy changed over the years? What strengths have you developed?
What goals do you have? What obstacles are still in your way?
 What kind of language abilities are important to you and why?

You will have 45 minutes to complete your in-class essay. While I do not expect your in-class
writing to show your abilities to revise and edit, I do expect you to connect your ideas and
paragraphs and use specific language that won’t leave me wondering what you mean. Use what
you have learned so far about writing essays to structure this one (e.g., introductions are needed
but five paragraphs are not the rule). Please, purchase a blue book in which to write, and legibly
write on only the front of each page.
In-Class Essay Rubric

Ideas 40 points
Addresses the question, fully
answering every part

Makes connections between the two

texts used, highlighting the differences
and similarities

Incorporates quotations to help support

the analysis

Organization 30 points
Organizes sentences and paragraphs in
an order that makes sense

Transitions effectively between ideas,

using similar language and words or
phrases that point back or express the
connection

Voice 30 points
Makes specific points, avoiding vague
references and generalizations

Uses an academic tone, avoiding

“you,” to address the reader

– Below expectations
√– Almost meets expectations
√ Meets expectations
+ Exceeds expectations Total: _________/100