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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. Which astronaut does Carlos see in Chapter 38?

2. According to Fidel as mentioned in Chapter 38, who is "evil"?

3. Who takes the passport photos for Carlos and Tony?

4. What does Carlos remember best from the year of school he discusses in Chapter 27?

5. What is the name of the family that temporarily adopts Carlos in Miami?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Carlos and his grandfather react to the Communist propaganda in Chapter 38?

2. Describe the "niños bitongos."

3. How does El Loco become the hero of Chapter 32?

4. Describe Carlos's first death.

5. According to Chapter 28, for what is Carlos's uncle Mario almost imprisoned?

6. How does Louis XVI react to the angry lady in Chapter 34, and how does he feel afterward?

7. How does Carlos feel about Lou and Norma Chait?

8. Describe Addison's backyard.

9. Why does Carlos want to request a Coke as his first act in the United States?

10. Describe the young man who accosts Carlos and Jorge in Chapter 32.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe in detail Carlos's experiences with and feelings about lizards. What do the lizards symbolize? How does Carlos relate to them at various points in his life?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the irony inherent within the character El Loco as well as his role throughout the book. What does he symbolize? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Describe in detail Carlos's complex relationship with his father. Why does he feel the way he does? Does Louis XVI deserve such a sentiment?

(see the answer keys)

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