La Puerta - Reading 1A - Writing 13C - Unit 1 Narrative Structure

Sep 29, 2026

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“La Puerta” follows Sinesio and Faustina during a violent summer rain as family life, work hardship, and migration hopes collide. Aurelio’s letter from los Estados Unidos sparks both possibility and pressure, describing jobs, costs, and promises. Faustina’s worries about poverty and safety steadily intensify, while Sinesio’s anger and silence shift toward a firm decision. The passage emphasizes character development, inference, and author purpose, aligning with reading and writing standards on vocabulary, complex characterization, revision, and grammar.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

DIRECTIONS

Reading 1A

Writing 13C

Oral and Written Conventions

Texas Assessment Practice DIRECTIONS Read the two selections and the viewing and representing piece. Then, answer the questions that follow. La Puerta by José Antonio Burciaga 1 It had rained in thundering sheets every afternoon that summer. A dog-tired Sinesio returned home from his job in a mattress sweat shop. With a weary step from the autobús, Sinesio gathered the last of his strength and darted across the busy avenida into the ramshackle colonia where children played in the meandering pathways that would soon turn into a noisy arroyo of rushing water. The rain drops striking the barrio’s tin, wooden and cardboard roofs would soon become a sheet of water from heaven. 2 Every afternoon Sinesio’s muffled knock on their two-room shack was answered by Faustina, his wife. She would unlatch the door and return to iron more shirts and dresses of people who could afford the luxury. When thunder clapped, a frightened Faustina would quickly pull the electric cord, believing it would attract lightning. Then she would occupy herself with preparing dinner. Their three children would not arrive home for another hour. 3 On this day Sinesio laid down his tattered lunch bag, a lottery ticket and his week’s wages on the oily tablecloth. Faustina threw a glance at the lottery ticket. 4 Sinesio’s silent arrival always angered Faustina so she glared back at the lottery ticket,“Throwing money away! Buying paper dreams! We can’t afford dreams, and you buy them!” 5 Sinesio ignored her anger. From the table, he picked up a letter, smelled it, studied the U.S. stamp, and with the emphatic opening of the envelope sat down at the table and slowly read aloud the letter from his brother Aurelio asthe rain beat against the half tin, half wooden rooftop. 6 Dear Sinesio, 7 I write to you from this country of abundance, the first letter I write from los Estados Unidos. After two weeks of nerves and frustration Ifinally have a job at acanning factory. It took me that long only because I did not have the necessary social security number. It’s amazing how much money one can make, but just as amazing how fast it goes. I had to pay for the social security number, two weeks of rent, food, anda pair of shoes. The good pair you gave me wore out on our journey across the border. From the border we crossed two mountains, and the desert in between. 8 I will get ahead because I’m a better worker than the rest of my countrymen. I can see that already and so does the “boss.” Coming here will be hard for you, leaving Faustina and the children. It was hard enough for me andI’m single without a worry in life. But at least you will have me here if you come and I’m assess Taking this practice test will help you assess your knowledge of these skills and determine your readiness for the Unit Test. revi ew After you take the practice test, your teacher can help you identify any standards you need to review. READING 1A Determine the meaning of grade-level academic English words derived from Latin. 5B Analyze how authors develop complex yet believable characters in works of fiction through a range of literary devices. 8 Analyze, make inferences and draw conclusions about the author’s purpose. 9C Make subtle inferences and draw complex conclusions about the ideas in text and their organizational patterns. WRITING 13C Revisedrafts to improve style, word choice, sentence variety, and subtlety of meaning. 13D Edit drafts for grammar, mechanics, and spelling. ORAL AND WRITTEN CONVENTIONS 17C Use a variety of correctly structured sentences. 18B Use correct punctuation marks. For more practice, see Texas Assessment Practice Workbook. 186 unit 1 : narrative structure Practice Test Take it at [thinkcentral.com](thinkcentral.com). KEYWORD: HML9-186 | sure I can get you a job. All you’ve heard about the crossing is true. Even the lies are true. “Saludos”from your “compadres” Silvio and Ramiro. They are doing fine. They’re already bothering me f

FAQs

What event prompts Sinesio’s decision to leave?

A letter from his brother Aurelio promises work and describes life in the United States. Faustina’s conflict over money and dreams leads Sinesio to accept the decision that there is no turning back.

How does Faustina respond to Aurelio’s letter indirectly?

Faustina reacts to the family’s financial pressure and distrusts the idea of buying “paper dreams.” Through proverbs and direct arguments, she emphasizes necessity and the hardship of the journey.

What does the passage suggest about character development and purpose?

The story develops believable characters through dialogue, internal thoughts, and consequences of choices, guiding readers to infer motivations and the author’s purpose.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by awa