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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 Anita realize about Sam?

2. What is another name for Mr. Smith?

3. What does the teacher tell Anita to do?

4. What does Anita learn about their new housekeeper?

5. Why does Anita's father say they have to stay?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mami say about why the family is staying in the country?

2. What does Anita realize when she writes in her diary?

3. What do Anita and Chucha see at Toni's house and what does Chucha tell Anita?

4. Who comes into the classroom and what does the teacher do?

5. What are Carla and her siblings told to do when they get home, and what does Carla do?

6. Where is Anita at the opening of the story, and what is she doing?

7. Upon what occasion do the people living in the compound decide to have a party?

8. How does Mami feel about the Washburns living next door and what does she do because of that?

9. How does Anita begin to see their leader in a different light?

10. Why does Anita's mother send Anita to Tio Toni's home on her way to the party?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Before We Were Free."

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Before We Were Free." How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Before We Were Free." How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of the reader? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Before We Were Free" help a reader know himself or herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Before We Were Free"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Before We Were Free." Discuss one of the character's responses and compare it to how you think you would respond in the same situation.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Judge whether "Before We Were Free" is a successful novel based on the characteristics of a successful novel that you identified. Fully discuss the reasons for your judgment.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if the novel is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Do you think that most adults would consider "Before We Were Free" a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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