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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Achievement of Desire, Chapter 1.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Once the family has shifted to speaking English, how does Rodriguez feel when he hears families speaking Spanish?
(a) Rodriguez is pleased to know that Spanish is still being spoken in people's homes.
(b) Rodriguez is frustrated because he thinks those families are making it harder for their children to learn English.
(c) Rodriguez is embarrassed because he thinks everyone should speak English.
(d) Rodriguez is sad because it reminds him of the closeness his family lost.

2. How does Rodriguez feel about his family background?
(a) He does not think about it too much.
(b) He is embarrassed by it.
(c) He wants to know more about it.
(d) He is proud of it.

3. In The Achievement of Desire, Prologue, Rodriguez says that now that he is successful, people always ask him a certain question. What is it?
(a) Can I have your autograph?
(b) How did you manage your success?
(c) Did you benefit from affirmative action?
(d) Are your brothers and sisters as smart as you are?

4. How does Rodriguez feel about his parents' English skills?
(a) He wishes his mom would do all the talking.
(b) He is troubled by their poor English skills.
(c) He is afraid they will get in trouble because they do not speak English properly.
(d) He thinks they do all right speaking a mix of Spanish and English.

5. What does Rodriguez realize about language and intimacy?
(a) That he can express himself better in English than in Spanish.
(b) That language is how a person maintains their intimacy with other people.
(c) That intimacy is about the relationship between the people, not about what language they speak.
(d) That Spanish is always a more intimate language that English.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why do Rodriguez's teachers visit his house?

2. What does Rodriguez's family seem to think about Spanish and English?

3. According to Rodriguez, what is wrong with speaking a private language in public?

4. As Rodriguez learns more English, what does he do about his parents' English skills?

5. How does Rodriguez's mother change as the family starts to speak English more?

(see the answer key)

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