View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What astronomical sight does Ernie mention seeing during his last year in Jalco?

2. How do many of the neighborhood residents view doctors in Mazatlan?

3. What sign tells Ernie and Henriqueta that Josy has had a successful day of work when he returns home?

4. According to Part One, Sections 9 and 10, who is campaigning against Don Porfirio for the presidency?

5. What do the wooden crosses that Ernie sees on his journey to Tepic mean?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ernie's gang like in the barrio?

2. What are the residents of Leandro Valle like?

3. What is the difference in the way older boys and younger boys play in Jalco?

4. What are some effects of the flooding in Jalco?

5. How does Ernie feel about moving to Tepic?

6. What two things interrupt the train's travels to Tucson?

7. What is Ernie's meeting with Juan-Chon like in Part Three?

8. What are the circumstances surrounding Nerun's death?

9. What are the various jobs help by Ernie's family while in Tepic?

10. What is the family's plan to leave Tepic?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Please describe the literary technique of a story within a story. What is the purpose of this technique and how is it used in Barrio Boy?

Essay Topic 2

Please describe the gender roles that exist in Jalco. Pull one example from the text that you think is a good example of the gender roles in Jalco and explain why you think this is an accurate portrayal or picture of the gender roles.

Essay Topic 3

Please describe the purpose of characterization in literature and how characterization is used in Barrio Boy. You may choose a specific instance or several small instances in the story where characterization is found in the story. Do you think the author is successful in his attempt at characterization for Ernie?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 825 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample