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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 is at the Italian Embassy when Anita and her mother arrive there?

2. Who is/are arrested?

3. What does Anita want in the event she is taken away?

4. Who comes to see Anita and Mami?

5. Why is Mr. Washburn in New York City?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Anita know about why Americans celebrate Thanksgiving?

2. What are Mami and Anita waiting for and how has Pupo failed the rebels?

3. How does Chucha help Anita and what does Chucha tell her?

4. What message from Chucha does Tia Mari give Anita ?

5. What does Anita discover when she goes into Lucinda's room, and what is Anita's reaction?

6. What happens the night before Lucinda leaves?

7. Who are arrested in town and why?

8. What does Papi say he wants for his children?

9. Who does Mami call for help, and what does Mr. Mancini tell Anita and Mami to do?

10. What does Anita know about a pill and what does she think about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

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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