School: Athens Drive High School
Grade Level: 10 th Grade English Language Arts

A.
P.
E .
A
P
E
Constructed response questions require the test taker to create a persuasive answer that incorporates PROOF and strong REASONING. Therefore,
A.P.E. is a format that incorporates necessary components for
EFFECTIVELY addressing these types of test items.
BOTTOM LINE: It establishes what a good answer looks like.

A
Key Points to Remember
1.
2.
A= Assertion (What is
YOUR answer to the question?)
Make sure you
RESTATE the question within your assertion.
Constructed Response Question: What is the author’s purpose for writing “Eleven?”
Author Sandra Cisneros’ purpose for writing
“Eleven” is to assert the notion that the experiences behind a given age are more important than the age itself .

P
Key Points to Remember
1.
P=prove your assertion is CORRECT
2.
Provide direct quotes from the selection that SUPPORT your assertion (must be relevant and accurate)
Author Sandra Cisneros’ purpose for writing
“Eleven” is to assert the notion that the experiences behind a given age are more important than the age itself .
This is assertion is demonstrated when the narrator says, “Because the way you grow old is kind of like an onion…today I wish I was one hundred and two instead of eleven because…I’d would’ve known what to say…”

E
Key Points to Remember
1.
2.
E= Explain your proof/conclude
Make sure your explanation: (1) explains the meaning of the quote (2) identifies any literary concepts (if applicable) (3) explains HOW it supports your assertion and (4) brings closure to your answer.
Author Sandra Cisneros’ purpose for writing “Eleven” is to assert the notion that the experiences behind a given age are more important than the age itself . This assertion is demonstrated when the narrator says, “Because the way you grow old is kind of like an onion…today I wish I was one hundred and two instead of eleven because…I’d would’ve known what to say…” The narrator’s thoughts conveys her desire to be more mature and prepared face a challenge she feels is beyond her meager,
11 years of experience. Furthermore, the reader can infer the narrator’s thoughts highlight the importance of the familiar adage, “With age comes experience,” hence the exaggeration of using 102 years of age to represent full maturation.

9
8
7
1-6
(This rubric will be used for all assigned constructed response questions. Make sure you are familiar with the language of the following expectations!)
10
Points Expectations
Correctly and effectively uses A.P.E. format; EXCEPTIONAL diction, syntax and conventions; NO grammatical errors
Correctly uses A.P.E. format; decent diction and syntax; NO MORE than ONE grammatical error
Uses SOME parts of the A.P.E. format correctly, but not all; average diction and syntax; 2 grammatical mistakes are apparent
Misuses A.P.E. format; diction and syntax are present, but are
ELEMENTARY in usage and language; 3 or more grammatical mistakes are apparent
Response is off topic; does not adequately address the prompt; A.P.E. format is not apparent
***Note: You may receive a score of a “0” if your work is sloppy, illegible, and/or lacking in effort.***

In her short story “Eleven,” Sandra Cisneros uses figurative language to create a realistic and poignant narrative voice. In utilizing repetition, such as with the repeating age countdown “eleven, ten, nine…” and similes, such as “the way you grow old is kind of like an onion,” the author establishes for the reader just how young Rachel is and how much she has to learn by extension. Overall, these devices help communicate to the reader one if Cisneros’ main themes: that independent of one’s age, experiences are collective and life isn’t something one can ever really grow out of– an ironically adult lesson for one so young.