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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. With someone sick, how do Alfonso and Juan make conditions better?

2. Who does Esperanza find hiding after the officials leave?

3. On Saturday night, what do the women do together that Esperanza actually enjoys?

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

5. What does Esperanza notice Isabel is doing in order to help her chances of winning at the school celebration?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does the sequence of events from Miguel and Esperanza's argument, to her money missing work to cast suspicion on Miguel as the thief?

5. When Esperanza details the things she misses about her mother, why is she so surprised at herself?

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

7. In what way is Mama's illness a commentary on the working conditions of the migrant workers?

8. At dinner when the family discusses the strike and its progress, how does Miguel's outlook differ from his father's outlook about the support for the strike?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the work ethic as evidenced in Esperanza Rising. What might the author be saying about the value of work?

Essay Topic 3

The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented to a Latino/Latina author or illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. Esperanza Rising received this award. Explain why this work deserves this award. In other words, evaluate the work in terms of the criteria for the award.

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