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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. After crossing the river, what did Makina do in the cabin while the Anglo man is waiting outside?

2. What does Makina tell her younger sister about men who have filthy mouths?

3. Who tells Makina to go clean up before she gives anyone the package?

4. What does Mr. Double-U offer Makina?

5. What shape does the sinkhole take when it is done sinking?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Makina’s impression of the people she sees in the city?

2. How does the narrator say things went for the man who tried to teach Makina a lesson in public?

3. What slang does Makina use, and what is its effect?

4. How does Mr. P. help Makina in her quest?

5. What makes Makina impatient to finish the errand her mother has given her?

6. What kind of omen does Makina think she sees in the beginning of Chapter 3?

7. Why does Cora send Makina to talk to the top dogs?

8. What has Makina brought with her on her trip to the other side?

9. What does Makina have to establish in her meetings with each of the three top dogs?

10. What danger does Makina face in making her trip?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an evaluative review of Signs Preceding the End of the World. What is this book’s place in culture? What are its uses? What are its limitations?

Essay Topic 2

What topics would you like to research further, after reading Signs Preceding the End of the World? Describe why additional research or reading would be beneficial to an understanding of this book. Propose a list of articles or books you would read in order to get a better handle on Signs Preceding the End of the World.

Essay Topic 3

Explore the role of the helper characters in Signs Preceding the End of the World. From Chucho to the old women and men, Makina gets assistance from a number of places. What do these supporting characters have in common? How do they compare to the characters who threaten Makina? What do those characters have in common as well?

What are the values that animate supporting characters on either side? How do these supporting characters, both benevolent and threatening, imply competing world views?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 886 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample