“Seventh Grade”by Gary Soto

Vocabulary and Literary ElementsPower Point

Elective (n) – an optional academic course or subject

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He was handed a packet of papers and a computer card on which he listed his one elective. pg. 21

Scowl (v) – to look angry by drawing the eyebrows together and frowning

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He scowled and let his upper lip quiver. pg. 22

Quiver (v) – to shake with a slight, rapid movement

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He scowled and let his upper lip quiver. pg. 22

Ferocity (n) – extreme fierceness; intensity

His teeth showed along with the ferocity of his soul. pg. 22

Conviction (n) – a strong belief, assuredness

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Umm, he thought, maybe it does work. He scowled with greater conviction. pg. 23

Linger - (v) to continue to stay; delay leaving

• Only Teresa lingered, talking with the homeroom teacher. pg. 23

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Trudge - (v) to walk heavily; plod

As he trudged to English, he practiced scowling. pg. 23

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Portly - (adj) stout or overweightIn English, they reviewed the parts of speech. Mr. Lucas, a portly man, waddled down the aisle, asking, “What is a noun?”

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Bluff - (v) to mislead or deceive

He tried to bluff his way out by making noises that sounded French. pg. 24

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Sheepishly – (adv.) with a bashful or embarrassed look

He looked sheepishly at the teacher, who was erasing the board, then widened his eyes in terror at Teresa who stood in front of him.

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About the Author

• Gary Soto– Born in 1952– Grew up in Fresno, California in a Mexican-American

community– Writes poems, essays, and novels– He also teaches and has won many awards

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Point of View – the perspective of the one telling the story

1st Person – narrator is the character in the story-- Look for pronouns – I, me, we, us

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Point of View – the perspective of the one telling the story

2nd person – narrator tells story to someone• Look for pronoun – you

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Point of View – the perspective of the one telling the story

3rd person – narrator is not a character-- Look for pronouns – he, she, it , they, them

• 3rd person omniscent – narrator relates to the thoughts, feelings, and actions of ALL characters

• 3rd person limited – narrator tells what ONE person think, feels, and observes

Theme

• Theme: Central meaning or dominant idea in a literary work or piece of writing.