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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 the men react when confronted with strange lights at Bluebird Pass?

2. According to Urrea, why do Coyotes usually reject pesos from their walkers?

3. How many men decided to join the Coyote who advocated for a change of plans?

4. According to the notes of U.S. Attorney Paul Charlton, what did the walkers consume to survive after they were abandoned by the Coyotes?

5. Why did men start tossing away their belongings during their walk?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did the Border Patrol agents fail to recognize Mendez?

2. What disrupted the walkers' plans at Bluebird Pass?

3. What caused the group to break apart after they pressed on without Mendez?

4. What did the walkers discuss with their Coyotes on the morning of May 21?

5. What failed attempt did the walkers make to save themselves the night after they were abandoned?

6. Why did the Cercas gang like working with brothers?

7. What geographical feature did Mendez get lost in, as if it were a maze?

8. Why were officials skeptical when Mendez claimed that he planned to return for the walkers?

9. What disagreement emerges between Santos and Mendez?

10. What form of payment did Mendez insist on receiving?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Urrea uses many racial and occupational epithets over the course of The Devil's Highway, occasionally providing etymological explanations for more obscure entries. Choose three or more examples from the book, then describe their use and surrounding context. Use your findings to respond to Urrea's reflections on this practice as expressed in the afterword.

Essay Topic 2

When describing the activities of American border patrol agents, Urrea is careful to detail the numerous conflicting political demands the border agents must navigate. Choose two different criticisms of border patrol that Urrea presents within The Devil's Highway. Analyze the nature of each criticism and the demand it places on border patrol. Conclude by explaining what compromises or conflicts these competing demands might place on border patrol activities.

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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