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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Alma blame herself for the accident where Maribel was injured?

2. What is Enrique's favorite meal?

3. What is Micho Alvarez's profession?

4. For how long has Mayor's father worked at the diner when it shuts its doors?

5. How many days a week did Rafael work at the diner?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mayor do when the first snow comes in March?

2. Who is Micho Alvarez? What is his story?

3. What causes the strife between Mayor and William?

4. What enrages Rafael the most about the discovery of Mayor's fight and trouble at school?

5. What kind of car do the Toros buy? Why?

6. Why does Alma keep the information about Garrett secret from Arturo?

7. Why does Rafael lose his job? What problems does this present?

8. What information about Mayor and Maribel does Quisqueya relate to the Riveras?

9. What happens when Alma goes to the police about Garrett Miller?

10. How is the setting of Clay Creek Park described? Why do the Toros and Riveras go there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the setting of the Redwood Apartments. In what city are they located? How many tenants are there? What role does this setting play in the plot of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of the American Dream in The Book of Unknown Americans. What characters are motivated by the American Dream? How do these characters seek out the American Dream? Do they succeed?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss gender roles and expectations in The Book of Unknown Americans. How are the women in the story treated differently than the men? What is expected of them? What harassment or abuses do the women of the novel experience?

(see the answer keys)

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