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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. What does Francisco try to talk the other man into doing?

2. Why might the gold not be the answer to Eileen's predicament about the ranch house?

3. Why does Bell try to arrest Sean?

4. What confirms Eileen's theory about the gold coming from the hills?

5. Who does Sean not see?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Silva tell Wooston that angers Wooston, and what concerns Machado and Russell?

2. What are Russell and Francisco doing in the mountains, and why does Francisco anger Russell?

3. Why does Francisco try to convince Russell of and what is Russell's response?

4. What do the voices say about Russell?

5. Who arrives at the party unexpectedly and how does he make Sean jealous?

6. What does Eileen order at the store and why?

7. Why does Eileen apologize to Juan?

8. What does Eileen decide in order to "buy" time?

9. What is Russell's appearance and explanation when he arrives at the fandango?

10. Who does Eileen meet at the store, and what is his reaction to her story about the gold?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "The Californios", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (xposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement.) Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements of "The Californios". (They may not contain every element of a major plot.) Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "The Californios" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 3

Many novels have an element of fear and suspense. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of fear in "The Californios". Use specific examples to support your ideas. In what ways is fear felt? Who feels fearful? Why?

2. Why do you think many people enjoy getting scared? For example, some like the fear brought by spook houses at Halloween, terror movies or by reading mystery/suspense novels. Why?

3. Is anything a character is afraid of within his/her control to change? What? Why do you think the character has not addressed those issues?

4. Discuss whether or not you enjoy the experience of being scared when you know it is not "real."

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,050 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample