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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 sings to Carolina on the morning of May 20th?

2. What type of building does Carolina and her family live in?

3. Who gives Carolina some of the canned food to try on May 16th?

4. Who does Carolina visit on Tiradentes Street?

5. According to Carolina, what is man's best invention?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Carolina like to sing?

2. What does Carolina think of people who live along the riverbank?

3. Why is alcoholism a problem in the favelas?

4. Why do women in the favela "collect men?"

5. What does Carolina think of crime?

6. Why are people afraid of Leila?

7. What is a favela?

8. Why do Carolina's children often have coffee for breakfast?

9. Why did Carolina chase a rainbow as a young girl?

10. What happens to Carolina when she shows her plays to the directors of the circuses?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The tall buildings of Sao Paulo are a symbol to the people in the favela. Carolina mentions them several different times in her diary entries. Write an essay that goes into detail and explains why the buildings are a symbol to the people. What do they represent? Why do the people of the favela aspire to go there and be part of common society? Use examples from the book to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

The relationships of men and women are tenuous at best in certain parts of the book. Carolina often writes of domestic violence and other similar conflicts. Write an essay that analyzes whether or not Carolina's portrayal of the male/female dynamic is accurate. Think about some of the incidents Carolina writes about. How do they pertain to the subject of male and female relationships? Is she fair when she writes of such conflicts, or is she biased? Use examples from the book to support your argument.

Essay Topic 3

When Carolina finds out the truth about Raimundo and his motives, she becomes angry. He never admits to her the things he does wrong. He plays everything off as if life is a simple game. Write an essay that explores the depths of Raimundo's character. What type of man is he? How does he get the things he wants in life? How does his outlook on life contrast starkly with the realities of the favela? Be sure to provide examples to support your opinions.

(see the answer keys)

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