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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 is the class preparing to do?

2. What does the teacher tell Carla to do?

3. Who is the other person who comes into the classroom?

4. Why do many people come to the compound?

5. Why is Anita upset with Sammy when she isn't invited?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What do Sammy, Anita and Oscar discuss?

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

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

6. Why does Anita use a pencil in her journal?

7. What do Sam and Anita see at Tio Tony's home and what do they decide to do about it?

8. What does Papi explain to Anita about Carla when Anita gets home?

9. What does Anita's mother say when the children are allowed to go back to school?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which three secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable? Why or why not? If yes, which ones?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "Before We Were Free" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? If not, can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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