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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Rodriguez's family, how are men supposed to be?
(a) Gentle, polite, and soft-spoken.
(b) Tough, aggressive, and bossy.
(c) Intelligent, kind, and good at providing for a family.
(d) Ruggedly handsome, strong in character, and responsible.

2. As he gets older, what do people tell Rodriguez about his complexion?
(a) They tell him to see a doctor to get help.
(b) They joke with him about how light his skin is.
(c) They are envious of his "tan."
(d) They tease him.

3. What does Rodriguez have to face in order to write the book?
(a) His past.
(b) His family history.
(c) His own mistakes.
(d) His attitudes about religion.

4. What do the Hispanic college students ask Rodriguez to do?
(a) To write them recommendations for graduate school.
(b) To lead a protest.
(c) To teach a course in minority literature.
(d) To give a speech to their student group.

5. How does Rodriguez's sister feel about her children's complexions?
(a) She is disappointed that they do not look more like her.
(b) She is relieved when they are dark-skinned.
(c) She wants them to take care of their skin so they are more attractive.
(d) She is relieved when they are light-skinned.

6. When Rodriguez applies for teaching jobs, what happens?
(a) He is told the schools will not hire a minority candidate.
(b) He gets one or two offers from out-of-state schools.
(c) He does not get any job offers.
(d) He gets lots of good job offers.

7. When a student complains that he is being kept out of law school, what does Rodriguez do?
(a) Support his case.
(b) Tell him to stop whining.
(c) Stay out of it.
(d) Argue against his case.

8. According to Rodriguez, who does affirmative action help?
(a) White college professors who feel guilty about the Civil Rights Movement.
(b) All minority students.
(c) White students who want an excuse for not getting into school.
(d) Minority students who already have some advantages.

9. In Complexion, Chapter 3, what new hobby does Rodriguez take up?
(a) Skateboarding.
(b) Long-distance running.
(c) Scuba diving.
(d) Skiing.

10. How does Rodriguez feel about writing a book on his family?
(a) It is very easy for him.
(b) He is excited about it.
(c) It is very hard for him.
(d) He is worried about what his family will say.

11. What does Rodriguez think about how the meaning of a person's complexion has changed?
(a) People used to ignore his complexion, but now they make a big deal about it.
(b) His dark skin used to be popular, but now is unpopular.
(c) Nobody pays any attention to complexion any more.
(d) His dark skin used to be unpopular, but now is popular.

12. Does Rodriguez believe that his mother knows about his book?
(a) Yes, but she will not admit it.
(b) No.
(c) Yes.
(d) No, but he is afraid she will find his manuscript and read it.

13. At what stage in their academic career does Rodriguez believe students need help?
(a) During the last two years of high school.
(b) When they start school.
(c) When they start high school.
(d) When they start college.

14. What is one thing that Rodriguez says happened to black students promoted through affirmative action?
(a) Some of them failed because they did not have a strong educational background.
(b) They did not do any better than students who "earned" their way in.
(c) They succeeded beyond anyone's expectations.
(d) They were a great example for future generations of black students.

15. What does Rodriguez think of his parents' ideas on religion?
(a) They just do what the priest tells them to do.
(b) They are based on good Church teachings.
(c) They are deep and profound.
(d) They are too simple.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do the students say about Rodriguez?

2. What example does Rodriguez offer of how affirmative action can have negative consequences?

3. What is the main reason for Rodriguez's success?

4. How does Rodriguez describe the changes in the mass that happen as he grows up?

5. How does Rodriguez's sister's friend challenge his ideas about complexion?

(see the answer keys)

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