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. What does Simon want in life?

2. What did Simon's father do for a living?

3. Who does Simon get a letter from one day?

4. How long does it take the band to travel through the Nueces Strip?

5. Who gives piano lessons?

Short Essay Questions

1. What job does Simon get in Houston?

2. Where is Banquete?

3. How does Simon communicate with Doris without the Colonel's knowledge?

4. Where does Simon meet Solomon Bradford?

5. How much time does Doris have left on her labor contract?

6. What does Josephina remember about Simon?

7. Why does Simon pretend to be a fruit vendor?

8. Where does Simon stay while in Houston?

9. What animal does Simon shoot?

10. Why does Simon buy a ring?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay in which you explore the theme of home. What is home to Simon? What kind of home and life does he wish to build for himself, and why? Use evidence from the text as support.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay in which you explore Simon's family history. What kind of family does Simon come from? How does his understanding and perspective of his family history impact his goals in life? Use evidence from the text as support.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you explore the relationship between Simon and his love of music. What does music mean to him? What does he love about playing music? Use evidence from the text as support.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 450 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample