Task 1. Skim and Scan. Skim the first paragraph of this section, on page 372 of the text, to determine what kind of information it offers. Then scan the paragraph for answers to the following questions.

1.			What kind of information does this paragraph offer about the essay as a literary form?
2.			What is the origin of the word ensayo?
3.			According to the authors, what was the original purpose of the essay?

Task 2. Scan and Answer Questions. The segment El ensayo feminista: activismo político-social y erotismo on page 386 includes Rosario Castellanos in the most recent group of essayists who have sustained and promoted civil duties and activism by writing about their political, social, and personal views. Scan the paragraph for answers to the following questions.

4.			What stylistic tendencies figure prominently in the essays of this group of writers?
5.			The authors describe the role of Rosario Castellanos and other contemporary female writers as "el papel de ____________________ e ____________________."
6.			How do you think these characteristics might be expressed in their essays?
7.			Name several other contemporary female writers mentioned by the authors.
8.			What literary techniques do these writers use to promote civil duties and activism?
9.			If you were to do more research on this group of essayists, what are some key words you might use to assist your computer or library search?