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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 Mando's last name?

2. What grade are Hector and Mando in at school?

3. Whose last name is not given in the newspaper article?

4. What does Julio tell Hector and Mando to comfort them?

5. What does Mando say is the source of distraction from his schoolwork?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Uncle Julio tell Hector and Mando to let them know he has been too hard on them?

2. What is the significance of including the Japanese Americans into the story?

3. How does Uncle Julio represent a father figure for Hector and Mando?

4. What information is revealed about Hector and Mando in the column in The Fresno Bee?

5. Compare and contrast Freddie and Julio regarding their commitment and responsibility to the children in their lives.

6. Why are the photos of the burning truck an instance of foreshadowing for the story?

7. Describe the robbers.

8. Who are Hector and Mando and why have they taken a train to Fresno, California?

9. When do Hector and Mando realize that Uncle Julio was right about their being in danger?

10. Who is Vicky and why does she spend some time with Hector and Mando?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Mr. Inouye. What is his role in the story? What was the author trying to accomplish by developing Mr. Inouye's character in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Gary Soto is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony, and briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of struggle. Identify at least two instances about struggle in the book and then cite examples to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,050 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample