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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 Hector do when he hears Freddie's voice on the answering machine?

2. What does Hector regret telling his mother?

3. Why are Hector and Mando in big trouble if the robbers come after them?

4. Hector and Mando see two cute girls doing what at the mall?

5. Why does Hector not order dessert at dinner?

Short Essay Questions

1. What qualities and experiences do Hector and Mando have that allow them to survive the encounter with the robbers?

2. How does the author use dialogue between Freddie and Uncle Julio and the boys to point out the error of stealing?

3. What is the first trick that Hector tries to get rid of Freddie?

4. Why has the author inserted the phone messages from a crazy girlfriend of Julio's former roommate, Rick?

5. How are Freddie and Huey in conflict about what to do to the boys?

6. Where do Hector and Mando see Freddie and Huey and how can they identify them?

7. How does Hector react when he hears Freddie's creepy voice on the answering machine?

8. What does the budding relationship between Uncle and Vicky represent?

9. What is Freddie and Huey's plan in Chapter 14?

10. What do Hector and Mando do to prevent Freddie and Huey from coming up the stairs to the apartment?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the overall setting for the story. Why does the author use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

Essay Topic 2

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for the characters' lives. Where will they be living? Will Julio be married to Vicky? What other changes do your foresee? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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