View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. From which of the following did Sierra’s grandmother die?

2. Which of the following percussion instruments does the band at Club Kalfour feature?

3. About which of the following does Sierra confide her doubts to Bennie?

4. Which of the following beverages does Manny provide Sierra?

5. Which of the following catcalls Sierra?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reasons does Nydia note for helping Sierra in the archives?

2. What does Sierra note as evidence of her grandmother’s love for her childhood self?

3. What does Sierra note as evidence of Lázaro’s sweetness to her childhood self?

4. How does Sierra react to setting foot on the grounds of Columbia University?

5. Sierra expresses annoyance at Robbie for leaving her at the first party of the summer. How does she tell him he can atone?

6. What random gossip does Bennie report to Sierra while braiding her hair?

7. What reason does Sierra note for finding it impressive that her grandfather could pause a domino game with his stories?

8. How does the novel initially report the effects of Lázaro’s stroke upon him?

9. What does Sierra read in Wick’s notes that Lucera signifies?

10. How is Robbie dressed when he meets Sierra in advance of going to Club Kalfour?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sierra’s father, Dominic, is clearly present and engaged with the family, yet he is only minimally depicted. What effect does that limited depiction have on the novel? How is the effect produced?

Essay Topic 2

Explicate the significance of the location of Manny’s publishing office.

Essay Topic 3

Explicate the significance of the protagonist’s mother’s name: María Carmen Corona Santiago.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 558 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample