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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. In "Forest," what does Rodolfo remember that he took off when he heard the warning of the chucao bird?

2. What type of hat does Neftali wear in "Wind"?

3. Who usually escorts Laurita's friend, Valeria, to play with Laurita?

4. In "Rain," what does Mamadre do to help Neftali pass the time?

5. In "Wind," what does Neftali see in the sky on the walk to school?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Uncle Orlando, and why does he come to Neftali's house to work?

2. In "Tree," what bird does Neftali see in a large pine tree?

3. Where does Neftali find himself swept to in his imagination when rain comes in through the window?

4. What does Father say about Neftali's future, and how does Neftali feel about his father's vision for him in "Forest"?

5. What does Neftali think and see when he hears the chucao bird in "Tree"?

6. In "Tree," why do the workers laugh and Father get embarrassed when Neftali returns to the train after exploring in the forest?

7. In "Mud," what do Neftali and his family do when they are all restless?

8. In "Pinecone," what does Neftali hear and how does he feel about the sound?

9. In "Pinecone," who is Bianca, and how does an encounter with her go for Neftali?

10. What does Jose tell Neftali about his mother, and what questions does Neftali have about his mother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many chapters in the book end with riddles. Why does the author include riddles? How do they relate to the story and help readers consider concepts in chapters?

Essay Topic 2

Whenever Neftali interacts with his father, he hopes to see the “nice father.” Does Neftali consider his father to be nice in everyday interactions? When does he hope his father will be nice? Is Father ever nice like Neftali hopes he will be?

Essay Topic 3

Guillermo forces Neftali to write romantic letters to Blanca. What do the letters communicate about the relationship between Neftali and Blanca?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 921 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample