Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the novel over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. The novel ends with Yahaira telling Camino not to be surprised if other passengers clap when they land.

• What does clapping when you land symbolize and how does it connect to the sisters’ journey in the days since their father passed away? (topic sentence)
• Describe their journey and how each of them has changed throughout the novel. Provide examples from the text to support your answer.
• In your concluding sentence, connect this journey back to the idea of clapping when you land.

2. Consider the motif of chess in this novel.

• What does chess mean for Yahaira and her relationship with her father? (topic sentence)
• What are three instances in which Yahaira discusses her relationship with her father through chess?
• Finally, in your concluding sentence, describe how chess might reveal more about Papi’s double life.

3. Water is present from the beginning of the novel to its end.