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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 one of the dishes that the families have on this first dinner together?

2. When Esperanza and her mother are together in Chapter 7, what does Mama confess she misses?

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

4. What is Mama's diagnosis in Chapter 10?

5. What is one thing the workers do NOT find among asparagus bundles?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of Esperanza's visit to the hospital on Christmas Day?

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

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

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

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

6. As Miguel and Esperanza drive to the market, what does Esperanza notice, apparently for the first time about herself?

7. Isabel wants to be the May Day Queen. When she tells Esperanza this, what is ironic about her reason for wanting to be this queen?

8. In Chapter 11, the strikers want to impede the progress of the asparagus harvest. Why is that an effective tactic?

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

10. When Esperanza helps Marta after the immigration sweep, what is it about Marta that wins over Esperanza?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of perseverance in Esperanza Rising.

Essay Topic 2

In Esperanza Rising there are numerous references to religion, praying, and engaging "spirits" of dead people in conversations or decisions. Discuss the role spirituality plays in the lives of the characters of Esperanza Rising.

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 2 of Esperanza Rising, Esperanza is at a low point and her grandmother reminds her of a story she has told Esperanza many times, the myth of the phoenix rising out of its own ashes. What is inspirational about this myth and why is it appropriate that Abuelita, rather than any other character, be the one to refer to this myth at this time?

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