Eleven
The main character is Rachel.
What is a metaphor?
A comparison between two things without using “like” or “as”
What is a simile?
A comparison using the words “like” or “as”
In R.A.C.E., what does the R stand for?
Restate the question.
What embarrassing event happens to Rachel at school on her birthday?
She is forced to wear the ugly red sweater that isn’t hers
The classroom was a zoo. What does this metaphor mean?
The classroom was loud and chaotic, like animals in a zoo
Which of these is a simile?
A) Her smile was sunshine.
B) Her smile was as bright as sunshine.
B) as bright as sunshine
What is one sentence starter you can use to restate the question in R.A.C.E.?
Question: In Eleven, what does Rachel wish would happen on her birthday instead of the red sweater incident?
In Eleven, Rachel wishes that ___________________________________ would happen on her birthday instead of the sweater incident.
Rachel says being Eleven feels like being all the ages before. What does she mean?
You can still feel like you’re 10, 9, 8, etc., depending on the situation.
Which sentence is a metaphor?
A) The kitten’s fur is soft like a blanket.
B) The kitten’s fur is a soft blanket.
B — The kitten’s fur is a soft blanket
“The baby was like an octopus, grabbing at everything.” What is being compared here?
The baby is compared to an octopus because of many grabbing hands.
What does the C in R.A.C.E. mean, and how can you do it?
Cite evidence — use a quote or detail from the text to support your answer
Why does Rachel cry in front of her class when she puts on the sweater?
She feels powerless, small, and misunderstood.
Why do authors use metaphors instead of just saying exactly what they mean?
To create a picture in the reader’s mind and show feelings more strongly.
Why do writers use similes in their writing?
To make descriptions more vivid, help readers imagine, and show feelings or actions clearly
Which part of R.A.C.E. is often the longest, and why?
Explain — because you need to tell how your evidence proves your answer
Why does Sandra Cisneros use metaphors like “little wooden dolls” and “onion layers” to describe age?
To show that growing up is layered and complex—you don’t just feel one age, you feel all your ages together
Create your own metaphor about school or friendship.
__________________________________________
Create your own simile about the sun or a good friend.
___________________________________________
Write three sentences that uses the R.A.C.E. strategy to answer: Why does Rachel cry in “Eleven”?
Possible answer: Rachel cries because she feels embarrassed and powerless when the teacher makes her wear the red sweater. In the story it says, “I put it on and it smells like cottage cheese.” This shows she feels humiliated and upset.