Figurative Language
This type of comparison uses the words “like” or “as.”
What is a simile?
Esperanza's heritage
What is Mexican?
This is the main character whose experiences and choices reveal themes and identity.
Who is the protagonist?
This letter in PEEL stands for the part of the paragraph where you give your main argument or point.
What is Point?
This dynasty, which ruled from 221–206 BCE, is famous for unifying China and beginning construction of the Great Wall.
What is the Qin Dynasty?
When you say “The wind whispered through the trees,” you are giving human qualities to something nonhuman.
What is personification?
Esperanza’s family moves into this type of house after living in several apartments.
What is a small red house on Mango Street?
The viewpoint or position from which a story is told.
What is perspective?
In PEEL, this part uses evidence from the text, such as quotes or examples, to support your point.
What is Evidence?
This philosophical system, founded by Confucius, emphasizes respect for hierarchy, family, and social harmony.
What is Confucianism?
This type of figurative language is an extreme exaggeration, like “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”
What is a hyperbole?
Esperanza feels embarrassed when a nun from her school asks her if she lives in this place.
What is the run-down apartment building?
When an author gives hints about what will happen later in the story.
What is foreshadowing?
The "E" that comes after evidence in PEEL asks you to do this, explaining how the evidence supports your point.
What is explain?
The Yangtze River is the longest river in China. Its famous dam, completed in 2006, is the largest hydroelectric power station in the world.
What is the Three Gorges Dam?
In “Her smile was sunshine,” one thing is compared to another without using “like” or “as.”
What is a metaphor?
Esperanza says she would someday like to have this—something that is only hers and not shared with her family.
What is a house of her own?
When something in a story represents a deeper meaning, like a red balloon standing for hope or freedom.
What is symbolism?
In a PEEL paragraph, this part, represented by “L,” connects your explanation back to the main idea or thesis, showing how your point fits into the bigger picture.
What is Link?
China’s largest desert, located in the north, is known for its shifting sand dunes and extreme temperatures.
What is the Gobi Desert?
When a word imitates a sound, like “buzz,” “crash,” or “sizzle,” it’s an example of this figurative device.
What is onomatopoeia?
The meaning of Esperanza’s name in English and in Spanish reflects this larger theme of the book.
What is identity and hope?
A repeated image, idea, or symbol that supports the story’s theme.
What is a motif?
A strong PEEL paragraph should include these three things in its evidence section: a quote, a reference, and this type of detail that shows deeper thinking.
What is analysis (or your own insight)?
This ancient Chinese invention allowed sailors to navigate accurately and contributed to China’s exploration and trade.
What is the magnetic compass?