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by Jamaica Kincaid

1978

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

Math Isn't Just for Boys

Math Isn't Just for Boys

Rachel Crowell

In the informational text "Math Isn't Just for Boys," Rachel Crowell discusses the gender gap that exists in math competitions and math-related careers.

Pair “Math isn’t just for boys” with “Girl” and ask students to compare the stereotypes in each text. What prevents girls from pursuing math? What stereotypes are perpetuated in “Girl?” Does the advice in “Girl” contribute to girls avoiding math, encourage girls to pursue math, or both? Explain. What can you do to overcome stereotypes and encourage girls to pursue math?

7th Grade Informational Text 930L
If

If

Rudyard Kipling

In "If," the speaker sets out a list of rules by which he thinks his son should live.

Pair “If” with “Girl” and ask students to compare the advice given. What kind of behaviors are associated with growing up to become a man in “If” and a woman in “Girl”? Is one of the text’s advice more useful? Why? What items would you add to each list?

8th Grade Poem
All-American Girl

All-American Girl

Julia Alvarez

In "All-American Girl," Julia Alvarez writes about the experience of an immigrant girl struggling with assimilation.

Pair “Girl” with “All-American Girl” and ask students to discuss the way the texts deal with expectations placed on girls. What expectations for behavior and looks does the speaker place on the girl in the text “Girl”? What expectations does for behavior and looks does the speaker feel responsible for in the poem “All-American Girl”? Do you think Jamaica Kincaid and Julia Alvarez think these expectations are fair? Why or why not?

9th Grade Poem