La Linea

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.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

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

1. Consider how Elena and Miguel’s relationship changes throughout the novel.

• First, describe Elena and Miguel’s relationship at the beginning of the novel. (topic sentence)
• Then, find three examples of events that prompt a change in their relationship as the novel progresses.
• Finally, consider how Miguel and Elena feel about each other by the end of the novel. How does this transformation speak to the larger theme of Family Is Everything?

2. La Línea is a coming-of-age narrative for the protagonist Miguel.

• What does Miguel learn about himself and life in general? (topic sentence)
• Describe how Miguel changes over the course of the novel.
• How does Miguel’s narration fit into the theme of Crossing Lines?

3. Miguel, Elena, and Javi encounter a variety of obstacles on their journey north.

• How do the characters face each challenge? (topic sentence)
• Select one of the characters and provide one specific example from the text.
• In what ways do Miguel, Elena, and Javi show that courage and determination are examples of ¡Sí, se puede! Grit Overcomes Adversity?

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Compare Miguel’s relationship with Papá to Elena’s relationship with Mamá. How does Miguel feel toward Papá? Why does he feel this way? Does Elena feel the same way toward Mamá? How do these relationships change over the course of the novel?

2. Explain Miguel and Elena’s desire to go north. Is there more than one reason? How do they feel about the North once they get there? Do they think their journey was worth it? Why or why not?

3. What does Jaramillo want readers to know about Mexican and other immigrants and their struggles to reach the United States? Point to specific characters or scenes that give insight into Jaramillo’s perspective about immigration. How does the style of writing or the choices made regarding pace and storytelling techniques contribute to the author’s purpose?