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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. Who comments that buzzards are "chickens"?

2. What did the Spaniards do to some of the Indians when they came to Mexico?

3. What profession do Ernie and his cousins vow never to become in Part One, Section 7?

4. How does Ernie receive his education, for the most part?

5. According to the author in Section 1, what is the psychological importance of the story?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the arroyo and what is it used for?

2. What is pinole and what is it for?

3. How is Jalcocotbn described in Part One, Section 1?

4. How does Ernie describe his friend's funeral?

5. How does Ernie describe the various animals in Part One, Section 3?

6. What does the author's language and description of Jalco seem to emphasize?

7. What are the historical and psychological reasons for the author writing this book?

8. Describe Don Cleofas.

9. Why does the author state that he initially was compelled to write this story?

10. What are the government and religious institutions like in Jalco?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Relationships are important elements of this story. Please choose one of Ernie's relationships and analyze it. Does this relationship change? How does it affect him as person?

Essay Topic 2

Education is seen throughout the story. What are the various ways Ernie was educated? How does Ernie's education in Mexico differ from his education in the U.S.A.?

Essay Topic 3

Please analyze how descriptive language is used in Barrio Boy. What are the various types of descriptive language an author can use and how it affects a story. How did it affect Barrio Boy?

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