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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Juan to Pedro?

2. What do most people remember seeing in Juan's house?

3. What is a very rich land owner called?

4. How many farms are grouped into a large estate?

5. What is the largest city in Argentina?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Maria think about Juan and his red kerchief?

2. Briefly describe Pedro.

3. What is the result of Juan's being fired?

4. What does Pedro want his father to do?

5. Briefly describe Pedro's father.

6. Who comes to see Chúcaro?

7. Who is the mayordomo to whom Juan is accountable?

8. What does the Vaquero say when he arrives at the Pizzettis' home?

9. What mystery is discussed in Chapter 9?

10. What do Juan, Carlos and Pedro note about the Pizzetti family and what do the three do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Chucaro, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Chucaro. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Francis Kalnay.

2. What in Kalnay's background may have helped him in writing Chucaro? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Chucaro based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if Chucaro is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus children's books? Why or why not? Would most adults consider Chucaro a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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