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. Why do Josy and Gustavo leave Jalco in Part One, sections 9 and 10?

2. Where does Henriqueta's cousin suggest she save her money?

3. When are boys responsible for completing traditionally feminine chores?

4. Where is Ernie when his mother returns home at night from helping attend to a sick person?

5. What is Leandro Valle?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ernie describe his new home in Mazatlan?

2. What happens to Ernie's tooth in Mazatlan?

3. What are the residents of Leandro Valle like?

4. What happens when the soldiers come to Jalco?

5. Why is Ernie so angry with his mother as they journey to Tepic?

6. How does Ernie feel about moving to Tepic?

7. What is one of the signs of manhood Ernie describes?

8. How does Ernie allude to the dangers of living in a city like Tepic?

9. What presence do Americans have in the barrio?

10. Why do Josy and Gustavo leave Jalco in Part One, Section 9?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Death and sexuality are two subjects Ernie is introduced to while in Mexico. Please discuss the situations where Ernie encounters these two new parts of life. How would you describe his response to these events?

Essay Topic 3

Please describe the purpose of characterization in literature and how characterization is used in Barrio Boy. You may choose a specific instance or several small instances in the story where characterization is found in the story. Do you think the author is successful in his attempt at characterization for Ernie?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 783 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample