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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. 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 were a great example for future generations of black students.
(c) They did not do any better than students who "earned" their way in.
(d) They succeeded beyond anyone's expectations.

4. 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 wants them to take care of their skin so they are more attractive.
(c) She is relieved when they are light-skinned.
(d) She is relieved when they are dark-skinned.

5. What does Rodriguez's editor say about his idea for a book?
(a) He will upset a lot of people.
(b) It could be a best-seller.
(c) Writing it will be a lonely experience.
(d) It is not an interesting idea.

Short Answer Questions

1. Now that Rodriguez is an adult and done with school, what does his mother ask him to do?

2. According to Rodriguez, who does affirmative action help?

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

4. What does Rodriguez think about his ability to succeed with women?

5. What do the Hispanic college students ask Rodriguez to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Rodriguez's parents' ideas about masculine and feminine characteristics? How does that affect Rodriguez?

2. How do Rodriguez's ideas about dark skin change as he grows up? Give specific examples.

3. How does Rodriguez overcome his attitudes about dark skin? Give two specific examples.

4. Why does Rodriguez's mother call him "Mr. Secrets"? In spite of his secretive behavior, what does Rodriguez believe she knows?

5. As a teacher, how does Rodriguez interact with these other minority students? Why does he act that way?

6. How does Rodriguez handle applying for teaching positions?

7. What does Rodriguez think about the current system of affirmative action? Give two examples he uses to support his argument.

8. What does Rodriguez's mother tell him about writing about their family? What does his editor tell him?

9. What does Rodriguez learn from working with the construction workers? Give two specific examples.

10. How does Rodriguez describe the change in the Catholic Church that happens as he grows up?

(see the answer keys)

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