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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. What is the name of the poor woman Mama befriends on the train?
(a) Lala.
(b) Carmen.
(c) Concita.
(d) Josefina.

2. When Esperanza is doing one of her chores, she hears women laughing at her. What is the chore she isn't doing well?
(a) Sweeping.
(b) Cutting vegetables.
(c) Laundry.
(d) Carrying a baby.

3. After Papa's will is discussed, who proposes marriage to Mama?
(a) Senor Rodriguez.
(b) Alfonso.
(c) Tio Luis.
(d) Tio Marco.

4. Mama seems to accept the situation, and once in the cabin, what does she do that Esperanza cannot understand?
(a) Mama takes a nap.
(b) Mama yells at her.
(c) Mama sings.
(d) Mama starts cooking.

5. Who is the role model for the dignity that Esperanza must exhibit to visitors?
(a) Her mother.
(b) Abuelita.
(c) Marisol.
(d) Hortensia.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Esperanza wanders away from the picnic, what does she do?

2. In what country do Esperanza and her family live?

3. In Chapter 5, what is the name of the border town where the travelers face an immigration review?

4. What is one detail of the luxurious train ride that Esperanza does NOT mention?

5. When the women in the camp laugh at Esperanza and upset her, who helps her?

Short Essay Questions

1. The harvest is a time when all farmers have their work rewarded, so it is easy to understand why it is their favorite time of year. Why does Esperanza imply that it is her favorite time of year?

2. 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?

3. Once Esperanza explains to Miguel the difference in their social class by saying that they live on different sides of the river. In what context, after the death of her father, does he repeat this expression to Esperanza?

4. How does Alfonso show his affection and respect for Ramona (Mama) Ortega when they arrive in California?

5. 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?

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

7. What is significant about Esperanza's reaction to the odors that she now smells among the peasants and on the train?

8. In what way does the author's description of what survived the fire reveal the degree of ruin?

9. Although Mama is very patient with Esperanza's huge social adjustment, there is one time when she tells Esperanza that she is ashamed of her. Explain how Esperanza embarrassed her mother.

10. How does the train ride Esperanza takes with her mother and Miguel's family compare or contrast with the previous train trip that Esperanza and Miguel took together with her father?

(see the answer keys)

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