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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. What does the video show at the beginning of the riots?

2. Why is Josie Morales never called to testify for the trial of Rodney King?

3. What comment does Jason Sanford usually get from the police about his looks?

4. Who shoots Walter Park, according to the African-American woman in the car behind him?

5. What does Gil Garcetti believe in when it comes to jurors and their participation in trials?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Betye Saar describe the surroundings on the night of the verdict?

2. Describe why Harland W. Braun was reluctant to take on the case of defending Theodore Briseno, a defendant in the Rodney King trial.

3. Describe Elvira Evers' story. How is she affected by the events surrounding the Rodney King trial?

4. Describe the riot which changed Michael Zinzun's life for good. What are the changes brought about by this riot?

5. How does Mrs. Young-soon Han describe the injustices suffered by the Korean immigrants?

6. Describe Joe Viola's experience on the day of the riots. What does he feel and how does he behave during the riots?

7. Describe the sense of mission and community after the Watts riot, as narrated by Otis Chandler. What happens to it eventually? How does it relate to the Rodney King trials?

8. How does Otis Chandler look at money as an instrument for change?

9. How does Angela King come to be the speaker for the King family? What sustains her passion in her fight for justice?

10. Describe Josie Morales' participation in the Rodney King story. How does she come to witness the beating and what is her story about it? Describe her efforts in becoming a part of the trial, and describe the results of her efforts.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Stanley K. Sheinbaum discusses the "premonitions" he has encountered during the day the riots erupted. Are these indicators (premonitions) common among the characters in the story? Do these characters interpret these premonitions in the same way, or does it vary according to race or occupation? Cite specific examples/statements in the story to support the answer.

Essay Topic 2

Are Maxine Waters' efforts productive and effective? Is there any significant change that can be attributed to her doings? Would there have been a more effective, efficient way for her to pursue the same principles? Is there anything she did wrong, and what are the best practices that can be cited from her advocacy?

Essay Topic 3

Elvira Evers has a very interesting story about how her baby came to be born. How does the book paint Elvira Evers based on the descriptions and the situations cited? Is she religious, bitter, or brave? What can be deduced of Elvira Evers' personality based on the book?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,653 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample