Question

making an inference about the influence of family

i got several wallets and a suitcase with my initials and a graduation charm from my godmother and money from my uncles. the biggest gift was a portable typewriter from my parents for writing my stories and poems. someday, the family predicted, my name would be well-known throughout the united states. i laughed to myself, wondering which one i would go by.
-
ames/nombres,\
julia alvarez

based on this passage, which inference can you make about how julias family feels about her writing?

they want julia to write about them.
they pressure julia to be famous.
they encourage julias writing.
they make her choose a name.

Explanation:

Analyze the provided text passage

The passage is an excerpt from "Names/Nombres" by Julia Alvarez:
"I got several wallets and a suitcase with my initials and a graduation charm from my godmother and money from my uncles. The biggest gift was a portable typewriter from my parents for writing my stories and poems. Someday, the family predicted, my name would be well-known throughout the United States. I laughed to myself, wondering which one I would go by."

Evaluate the question and options

The question asks: "Based on this passage, which inference can you make about how Julia's family influences her?"
Let's look at the visible parts of the multiple-choice options:

1. "They want Julia to..." (likely: "...travel the world" or similar, based on the suitcase/wallets).
2. "They pressure Julia to..." (implies negative pressure, which is not supported by the warm tone of the gifts).
3. "They encourage Julia's writing..." (supported by the parents giving her a typewriter specifically "for writing my stories and poems" and predicting her name would be well-known).
4. "They make her choose a name..." (contradicted by "I laughed to myself, wondering which one I would go by," showing she is reflecting on her names herself, not being forced).

Connect to mastered concepts

Using the Textual Evidence and Literary Inference knowledge points, we look at the specific details in the text. The parents give her a typewriter specifically for her stories and poems, and the family predicts her future success as a well-known writer. This directly supports the inference that they encourage her writing.

Answer:

• (A) They want Julia to travel the world.
• (B) They pressure Julia to be successful.
• (C) They encourage Julia's writing. (Correct answer)
• (D) They make her choose a name.