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 play over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1 The sociological concept of Intersectionality can be teased out through an examination of Jade’s relationship to others in the book.

• Define the concept of “intersectionality” drawing from scholarly sociological texts as well as characters’ experiences in the book. (topic sentence)
• Compare and contrast Jade’s relationship with 3 other primary characters in the book (e.g., Sam, Maxine, and Lee Lee). What are their similarities? What are their differences?
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain why intersectionality is crucial to understanding Jade’s identity.

2. The fictional group “Woman to Woman” is a mentorship organization that is supposed to empower young Black girls; when Jade first joins the group, however, her contentious relationship with her mentor Maxine raises questions about the nature of Authentic Mentorship.

• Trace the evolution of Woman to Woman throughout Piecing Me Together, discussing how it transforms from a less-authentic to a more-authentic organization.