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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. As an adult, what do people think his complexion says about him?
(a) That he is unhealthy.
(b) That he spends a lot of time indoors.
(c) That he is rich and lives a life of luxury.
(d) That he is poor and works in the sun all day.

2. Why does Rodriguez use the label "minority student"?
(a) To announce that he is proud of his ethnicity.
(b) To get sympathy from professors.
(c) To prove that Hispanics can succeed in school.
(d) To get scholarships.

3. Why does Rodriguez's mother call him "Mr. Secrets"?
(a) Because he hides things from his family.
(b) Because he likes to surprise them.
(c) Because he does not talk to his family.
(d) Because he lies to his family.

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

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

6. In Complexion, Chapter 3, what does Rodriguez realize about education?
(a) It changes how people look at the world.
(b) It provides better job options.
(c) It is a waste of time.
(d) It gives people a voice.

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

8. How does Rodriguez say that the white students react to affirmative action?
(a) They blame him for it.
(b) They complain about it.
(c) They protest against it.
(d) They are sympathetic to it.

9. 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 high school.
(c) When they start college.
(d) When they start school.

10. Where does Rodriguez feel comfortable? Why?
(a) With his friends, because they understand him.
(b) At school, because they value his intelligence, not his complexion.
(c) At home, because they love him no matter what he does.
(d) At church, because he believes God loves him in spite of his dark skin.

11. Where did Rodriguez teach in the 1960s and 1970s?
(a) Harvard.
(b) Stanford.
(c) UC Berkeley.
(d) UCLA.

12. How does Rodriguez describe the changes in the mass that happen as he grows up?
(a) It is more like a community celebration than a prayer.
(b) It becomes more formal and structured.
(c) It becomes less formal.
(d) It is more like a prayer than a community celebration.

13. What happens to Rodriguez as a result of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's assassination?
(a) He loses his scholarship to a black student.
(b) He gets more scholarships and opportunities.
(c) He is scared to pursue more education.
(d) He becomes involved in the Civil Rights Movement.

14. Does Rodriguez's mother blame him for what happened to their family?
(a) No.
(b) No, but she thinks he made it worse when he went to London.
(c) Yes.
(d) Yes, but she also blames herself.

15. What does Rodriguez have to do if he is going to write this book?
(a) Embarrass his teachers.
(b) Offend his friends.
(c) Insult his family.
(d) Make his opinions public.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Rodriguez go for his fellowship?

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

3. According to Rodriguez's family, how are men supposed to be?

4. What happens at the swimming pool to make Rodriguez aware of his skin color?

5. When does Rodriguez think that minority students should get help?

(see the answer keys)

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