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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 did Luis's father vow after the accusations in the beginning of the book?

2. How was Luis's first Christmas in Watts?

3. Whose fight prompted the police to come to where Luis's family was staying in the beginning of the book?

4. How old is Luis when his mom says he must help support the family?

5. What happens when Luis's family has to move in with a relative?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Luis's family end up settling in Los Angeles?

2. What do Luis and Rano do with their money they earn?

3. Why is Luis known as "Chin?"

4. Who are "Thee Impersonations"?

5. What do the people in "Thee Impersonations" desire?

6. What happens to Clavo's feelings about the gang after he is shot in the eye?

7. After they leave Seni's, how is Luis' new neighborhood described?

8. What happens when the gang goes to a "real beach?"

9. Who is Yuk Yuk and what influence does he has on Luis's life?

10. What kind of relationship does Seni and her husband have?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It's interesting that Luis has never expressed his own level of commitment to the gang, but does say that he knows he can't say no when asked to participate in a particular raid or gang event. Compare and contract Luis's commitment to the gang with his commitment to his family.

Essay Topic 2

What is the community's response to the escalation of gang violence, and how does it help or hurt Luis?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the impact of the death of a little girl named Coke on the neighborhood's attempts to stop gang violence.

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This section contains 617 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample