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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 Mami have Anita do after seeing the black Volkswagons?

2. Who is Mr. Washburn?

3. Why do many people come to the compound?

4. What happens when word is taken to Tony's house that Mr. Smith's friends are there?

5. Why does Anita write with a pencil at times?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Anita's mother talk to her for the first time?

3. Why is Anita spending more time in the bathroom?

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

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

6. What does Papi say when he returns from work?

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

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

9. Who is moving in next door, and why is Anita particularly happy about it?

10. What does Mami ask Anita not to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Before We Were Free."

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea or concept you think may have been a part of the Alvarez's agenda. Analyze that idea as it appears throughout the book and discuss Alvarez's probable agenda concerning that idea.

3. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

4. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

5. Research the life of Julia Alvarez to see if her life may have influenced her writing and, if so, where and how?

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)

This section contains 951 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample