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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. When asparagus season begins and the truck arrives to take Esperanza, Hortensia, and Josefina to the field, what does a man have to protect them?
(a) A gun.
(b) An umbrella.
(c) Citizen papers.
(d) Rain ponchos.

2. On Christmas day, what does Esperanza give her mother?
(a) A shawl.
(b) A yarn doll she made.
(c) A stuffed baked potato.
(d) A smooth stone from the field.

3. What dissatisfaction does Esperanza have with Miguel when he tell her of his news in Chapter 12?
(a) She feels he should refuse to leave his family.
(b) She feels he should speak up for himself.
(c) She feels that if he is a foreman, he should be able to get a raise and time off.
(d) She feels he should demand a raise.

4. Early in Chapter 11, what is Esperanza's criticism of the strikers?
(a) They were dirty.
(b) They were abusive to their own people.
(c) Their language was vulgar.
(d) They only listen if you agree with them.

5. On the morning after the strike, of whom does Esperanza ask a favor?
(a) Miguel.
(b) Josefina.
(c) Marta.
(d) Hortensia.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Esperanza think will make the individual in the hospital feel better?

2. In the context of this story, what is a "jamaica?"

3. When Esperanza goes to bed after the strike, what does she worry about?

4. What spring crop does Esperanza notice seems to be replaced with new tall plants almost instantly after being picked?

5. Chapter 10 is entitled "The Avocados." What is the significance of the avocados in this chapter?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the end of the Chapter 7, Esperanza prays. How do her prayers reveal the subtle change she is beginning to make?

2. How does the short, intimate exchange Mama and Esperanza have after the jamaica effect Esperanza's mood?

3. How does Miguel's attitude toward his job being taken away differ from Esperanza's position about this injustice?

4. Where are Esperanza's sympathies with regard to the strikers?

5. How does Esperanza's babysitting skills progress as Chapter 8 develops?

6. In Chapter 9, when Mama is in the hospital, describe the quality of Esperanza's care giving.

7. In what way could one see that there is even a subtle class system inherent among migrant workers?

8. What is significant about Esperanza giving beans to the man at Marta's camp?

9. Comment on the image of communal life at this work camp once the work day is over that Ryan portrays in Chapter 7.

10. When the doctor comes to examine Mama and diagnose her illness, how does Esperanza react?

(see the answer keys)

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