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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Chapter 10 is entitled "The Avocados." What is the significance of the avocados in this chapter?
(a) They are to soften Esperanza's hands.
(b) They are for guacamole.
(c) They are for raviolis.
(d) They are for salad.

2. What dissatisfaction does Esperanza have with Miguel when he tell her of his news in Chapter 12?
(a) She feels he should refuse to leave his family.
(b) She feels he should demand a raise.
(c) She feels he should speak up for himself.
(d) She feels that if he is a foreman, he should be able to get a raise and time off.

3. During the harvest time, who becomes ill?
(a) Juan.
(b) Josefina.
(c) Mama.
(d) Hortensia.

4. Esperanza gives the babies rice water to sip. From whom does she get this idea?
(a) Isabel.
(b) Miguel.
(c) Hortensia.
(d) Mama.

5. What is Esperanza's reaction to Isabel's news about the new building project?
(a) Satisfaction.
(b) Confusion.
(c) Indignation.
(d) Joy.

Short Answer Questions

1. As Chapter 12 begins, what celebration is coming up in at Isabel's school?

2. What do the families have for dessert on their first dinner together?

3. With regard to strikers, what have Miguel's experiences been?

4. What does Esperanza do to keep warm while she works in Chapter 9?

5. After Isabel's news about the new building project, what news does Miguel come home with?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is significant about Esperanza giving beans to the man at Marta's camp?

2. In what way is Mama's illness a commentary on the working conditions of the migrant workers?

3. In what way could one see that there is even a subtle class system inherent among migrant workers?

4. When Esperanza helps Marta after the immigration sweep, what is it about Marta that wins over Esperanza?

5. Comment on the image of communal life at this work camp once the work day is over that Ryan portrays in Chapter 7.

6. In Chapter 11, the strikers want to impede the progress of the asparagus harvest. Why is that an effective tactic?

7. What is the symbolic significance of the the shrine Alfonso and Miguel erect?

8. In Chapter 9, before Mama is in the hospital, how does the reader see that her illness affects all?

9. Where are Esperanza's sympathies with regard to the strikers?

10. What is the significance of Esperanza's visit to the hospital on Christmas Day?

(see the answer keys)

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