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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. How did Nahum Landa know Reymundo Maruri?

2. How did Operation Gatekeeper change the routes walkers took to cross the border?

3. What was the first white man who died on the Devil's Highway doing when he passed?

4. What was historically significant about the group of men that Mike F. discovered?

5. What state were the walkers discovered in?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Ken Smith?

2. How does the sign warning travelers in Sasabe describe the Coyotes?

3. Why were the walkers hoping to encounter Border Patrol agents, even though they were crossing without authorization?

4. According to Urrea, what was the most scandalous item provided in the survival kits that the Mexican government created for walkers?

5. Who was Melchior Diaz?

6. Who were the Yuma 14?

7. What is done with the dead at the consulate building before they are prepared for burial?

8. How does Urrea characterize the relationship between Border Patrol agents and politicians?

9. From what state did most of the Yuma 14 come?

10. To whom does the term "Coyotes" refer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Despite writing predominately in English, Urrea employs specific Spanish terms throughout the Devil's Highway, such as "tinaja" (7) and "polleros" (60). Choose one or more Spanish terms used within the text and analyze the effect they have in establishing the book's setting and/or themes.

Essay Topic 2

The governments of the United States and Mexico both have their foundations in European colonization. How is that history reflected within the pages of The Devil's Highway? Conduct your own research to select a working definition of colonialism. Explore interactions within the text that reflect your definition of colonialism and conclude by interpreting the role colonialism plays.

Essay Topic 3

As the lone surviving Coyote from the trip, Mendez serves as a central figure within The Devil's Highway. Urrea offers multiple competing interpretations of Mendez's motives, behavior and personality. Choose one major event involving Mendez, comparing and contrasting the different interpretations of his behavior that Urrea offers. Conclude by suggesting which interpretation seems ultimately more convincing and stating your reasons why.

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This section contains 622 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample