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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. Louie is the oldest of ___________?

2. The Vargas kids are without respect for _________?

3. Whom does she describe as best friends?

4. Who wins the First Annual Tarzan Jumping Contest?

5. Why does Esperanza need to get a job?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Esperanza feel when the nun is inquiring where she lives?

2. What is Esperanza afraid of at the end of this vignette?

3. How does Esperanza try and convince her mother to allow her to eat in the canteen?

4. Why is Cathy’s family moving out of the neighborhood?

5. What is Marin, Esperanza’s neighbor, waiting for?

6. Why doesn’t Alicia want to take over her mother’s role?

7. Who is Esperanza?

8. Why does Esperanza describe this day as a “good” day?

9. Why doesn’t Esperanza like her name?

10. Why does Esperanza’s mama get sick?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the vignettes are a discussion of family. How important is family to Esperanza? How does she feel about her family?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Lucy and Rachel’s family situation with Nenny’s and Esperanza’s. Do they seem satisfied with where they are living and the neighborhood on Mango Street?

Essay Topic 3

Cisneros’s Personal Background

a. How do you think Cisneros’s upbringing influenced her content in The House on Mango Street?

b. What specific aspects of Esperanza’s life are reminiscent of Cisneros’s experience?

(see the answer keys)

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