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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who is Alfonso?
(a) Esperanza's father.
(b) The boss of the field workers.
(c) The mayor.
(d) The son of one of the field workers.

2. If Ramona were to stay in Mexico and remain single, what would be her life situation?
(a) She would work for Tio Marco and live in the town.
(b) She would be taken care of by Tio Luis and Tio Marco.
(c) She would work for the government.
(d) She would live in poverty.

3. After Esperanza's birthday, who is spending so much time in her father's study?
(a) Abuelita and Mama.
(b) Miguel and Alfonso.
(c) Miguel and Hortensia.
(d) Tio Luis and Tio Marco.

4. At the time of this post-fire visit, what does the Ortega relative suggest will be an appropriate school for Esperanza?
(a) A boarding school.
(b) An English school.
(c) A foreign school.
(d) A public school.

5. What is Esperanza's reaction to the interruption of another child on the train?
(a) She speaks only English to her.
(b) She slyly kicks the child so that no one will see.
(c) She shyly touches the girl's hand.
(d) She puts away what she is playing with.

Short Answer Questions

1. While the family is waiting for Papa to come in from the fields at the end of the day, who is it that the family worries about?

2. What was the treat Esperanza remembers from an earlier time in Zacatecas?

3. On the truck ride when Marta talks about the workers' conditions and attempts to improve their lives, who is it that listens intently?

4. What is Juan's daughter's name?

5. On the journey to the train station, what is this wagon disguised as?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Miguel show his allegiance to his family in the midst of the fire?

2. What is the substance of the lecture Mama offers Esperanza when she realizes Alfonso and Hortensia hear Esperanza whining?

3. What is it about the migrant worker camp that is difficult for Esperanza?

4. What is the symbolism of the author having Alfonso and his son Miguel be the ones who return to the ranch with the dead body of Papa?

5. How does Senor Rodriguez's gift of papayas renew the grief Esperanza already feels for the loss of her father?

6. What do the "line up" of dolls in Esperanza's room represent?

7. When Esperanza and Miguel get off the train at a temporary stop, Miguel explains a scenario that is apparently inexplicable to Esperanza. What is this scenario?

8. Every chapter is named after a fruit, and that fruit has a role in the action of the chapter. This chapter is "The Guavas." What role do the guavas play in the action of Chapter 4?

9. When Esperanza and her mother approach the immigration counter, how does Mama manage to display her dignity?

10. How does Esperanza'a reaction to her fellow travelers on the family trip from Mexico to California compare or contrast to her mother's reaction to them?

(see the answer keys)

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