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. Why did the Border Patrol agents call Mendez "Rooster Boy"?

2. What was the name of Don Moi's boss?

3. The men stumbling out of the mountains in the book's introduction suffered from a medical condition; what was it?

4. What economic role did Western Union play in Mexican/American relations at the time described by Urrea in Chapter 2?

5. Which of the following groups is NOT included in the list of people who mock or dislike Border Patrol agents?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why were the walkers hoping to encounter Border Patrol agents, even though they were crossing without authorization?

2. Who were the Wellton 26?

3. From what state did most of the Yuma 14 come?

4. Who were the Yuma 14?

5. Who was Melchior Diaz?

6. Who was the man that Border Patrol agents referred to as "Rooster Boy"?

7. Why do some guides feed their walkers diet pills?

8. According to Urrea, what is the most sensible interpretation of the sign "USA Prohibido!" for Spanish-speakers?

9. Who oversaw the human smuggling operation that led the Yuma 14 into the desert?

10. What is done with the dead at the consulate building before they are prepared for burial?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Urrea describes the actions of anti-immigration and pro-immigration activists at length within The Devil's Highway. Explore Urrea's depiction of either side in the debate, focusing on his description of their activities and motives, and the tone he achieves when describing them.

Essay Topic 2

Urrea concludes the afterword to The Devil's Highway by asking the reader, "What Would Jesus Do?" Use evidence from the text and any additional research you may need to explain the question's relevance to the events and themes of the book. Conclude by suggesting what answer or answers may be supported by the text.

Essay Topic 3

The journey of the Wellton 26 was undertaken entirely by people identified within the text as male. Write an essay analyzing the role that gender plays in Urrea's depiction of this deadly crossing. Use evidence from the text and any outside research you may require to analyze how codes of masculinity influence the walkers' motives, belief, or behavior.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 633 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample