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. In Chapter 23, where do Roxy, Maxima, and Excel go to eat?

2. In Chapter 24, how many people did Excel think clapped when Rosie announced that border patrol would do a sweep?

3. At what time did Red show his work at the opening in Chapter 16?

4. How many people does Maxima tell Jerry that they share the communal kitchen and bathroom with?

5. Which aunt does Maxima say died in Tampa in Chapter 29?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 19, how did Excel learn to drive?

2. What finally came for Sab in Chapter 24, and what did it look like?

3. What does Sab tell Excel about her pregnancy in Chapter 28, and why did she not call him?

4. Why does Maxima tell Excel in Chapter 30 that she did not call 911 for Joker?

5. How do Maxima and Excel meet Jerry at the San Francisco International Airport?

6. Why did Excel deliberately not win a spelling contest when he was in the sixth grade?

7. What did Excel help Red do in Chapter 16?

8. What story did Excel make up about his family for a 10th grade essay assignment?

9. What kind of hours was Sab working in Chapter 19?

10. What do Jerry, Maxima, and Excel do when they meet in San Francisco?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Excel’s family comes from the Philippines. What is Excel’s heritage? How does Excel feel about his heritage?

Essay Topic 2

Maxima’s sister is back in the Philippines after suffering a stroke. Where has Queenie worked for many years? What does the job that she had convey about the struggles of Filipino overseas workers?

Essay Topic 3

Maxima works odd jobs and talks to men to get money. Excel works at a pizza parlor. How would you describe Maxima and Excel’s socioeconomic status? What does the author convey about poverty through their lives?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 960 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample