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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 did Francisco like to do during recess?

2. Why did Francisco resent his brother in Soledad?

3. What was Mama's Christmas present?

4. Why did Francisco have to repeat a grade?

5. How did Francisco's family move at the beginning of the book?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened the first time Francisco worked in the fields in Soledad?

2. What did Mama do for the children at Christmas time after leaving Corcoran?

3. Why was Mama angry after Francisco worked in the fields for the first time in Soledad?

4. What did Francisco try to save after the flood, and how?

5. Why did Papa move away from Corcoran?

6. Why did Papa not buy anything from the young couple when they came by?

7. Why was Papa angry after Francisco worked in the fields for the first time in Soledad?

8. How did Francisco try to feel connected to his family while they worked in the fields in Soledad?

9. What did Mrs. Scalapino give Francisco at the end of the year?

10. What did Francisco love the most about the first farm his family was at?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Shame and propriety are common themes throughout this book. What are some of the instances where these themes are present, and why are they so important to the people involved?

Essay Topic 2

Francisco endures many different trials before the end of the book. What are some of these trials and what lessons does he learn through these experiences?

Essay Topic 3

Belonging and security were two themes present in this book. Where did these themes appear, and which characters were most motivated by them?

(see the answer keys)

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