1a. What was José like as a young child?
1b. Why was he that way?
2a. What business deal does Arnie propose to José? What will Arnie's responsibilities be?
2b. What does this reveal about Arnie's concept of work?
3a. What does José learn to do when Arnie criticizes him?
3b. What does José think about Arnie's criticism?
4a. In what ways has José come to know himself better?
4b. How do you think José regards his future and his abilities?
5a. Is it better to be "born to work" or to have a "mind for business," as Arnie says? What are the differences between the two? What are the similarities?
5b. How could Arnie's "mind for business" and José's ability to do work have combined in a way that would be good for both of them?
Theme. As you read the story, what themes did you notice? Does the story have only one theme, or many? Which are especially powerful or important?
Figure of Speech. Look back to the examples of simile you identified in your graphic organizer. Review the story and identify examples of personification. Which similes and personifications do you think stand out as powerful images in the story? Why did the author make these specific comparisons more powerful?
1. Write a classified ad for the local paper offering your services doing odd jobs. What kind of jobs can you do? How much would you charge? Who would benefit most from your services?
2. Imagine that you are José. Write a letter to your father telling him what you have learned from him.
3. Write a new scene for the story that changes the ending of the scene at Mr. Clemens's house. What happens to Mr. Clemens, Arnie, and José in your new scene?
Researching Job Opportunities. Write in the space below the job opportunities you found and where you found the advertisements for them.
Example
Say, the boy said does anyone want to go to the beach? "Say," the boy said, "does anyone want to go to the beach?"
1. Sheila responded You have to clean up the mess you made!
2. Come on, Joe said or we are going to be late.
3. Hey, have you seen the new video game at the arcade? asked Tami.
4. Hi, Alberto smiled, you look beautiful tonight.
5. Ouch! cried Sophia. You stepped on my foot!
6. What? said Lydia. Did you really mean what you said?
7. Marvin said Please give me back my bike.
8. Mom! Audrey called. Have you seen my new shirt?
9. Good morning said the waitress. What would you like to order?
10. Stop! yelled the crossing guard. There's a car coming!
Family Reunion Discussion Scene
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