Name__________________________________ Date_____________ Period__________
Respond to the following writing prompt with two or more paragraphs. Be sure to use
correct grammar and punctuation.
Explain what your name means. Does it have a special meaning in a foreign language? How
did you get your name? Do you have a nickname? How did you arrive at that nickname? If
you could change your name, what would you change it to? Would a name change make
you feel differently about yourself? Why? Try to include a personal anecdote about your
name. Has your name ever gotten you into trouble?
The topic is your name. Your purpose is to inform us about your name, and the audience is
your classmates. Before you begin writing, listen to the following questions. You may use
these questions, but you don’t have to. You can say anything about your name.
Do you know why your parents chose your name? Who chose it? Were you named after a
particular person? Why were you named after him or her? Are you like that person or
different from him or her? How?
Does your name have a nickname? What is it? How do you feel about it? Do you use it?
Why?
Do you use your middle name instead of your first name? If so, explain why.
Has anyone ever commented on your name? What did he or she say? How did that
comment make you feel?
Do you think your name causes people to treat you in a particular way? How? Cite an
example or two.
Would you change your name if you could? Why or why not? What would you change it
to? Why did you select this name? Would changing your name make you feel different than
you feel now? How? Why?
Try to add metaphors to your writing; consider what your name would be if it were a color, a
day, a car, a tree/flower, animal, or feelings and sounds you associate with it. Review how
Cisneros creates a name that conjures up meanings beyond the surface to reveal the
character’s personality.