View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How long ago does Candidó remember being in Arroyo Blanco Estates?

2. Osbert is what type of animal?

3. Where does Candidó look for América after her first day of work?

4. Who does Kyra find inside the Da Ros mansion?

5. What does Delaney do while Kyra is swimming?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Delaney's plan for catching anyone who comes near the gate?

2. Describe the flashback Candidó has regarding his encounter with the INS.

3. How does Kyra come to decide that the 'real' money is in developing rather than in real estate?

4. Describe América's new employer and what sort of work he hires her to do.

5. Why does Delaney dislike Kenny Grissom?

6. Describe Candidó's interaction with the light-skinned Mexican in the park.

7. Why does Delaney drive down to the trails for a hike?

8. What helps América emerge from her depression?

9. What is Candidó's reaction to the onset of América's contractions?

10. What does Dominick Flood do when the fire breaks out? How do we know?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the initial part of the book, Delaney is firmly against the construction of a security fence around his neighborhood. How does his opinion change over time and why? What influences does he encounter that result in these fluctuations?

Essay Topic 2

Kyra and América are two women in the same town, yet are very different in numerous ways. Compare and contrast the two female characters by using specific examples from Boyle's book.

Essay Topic 3

Dominick Flood appears in Boyle's story only briefly, yet serves a significant role. Describe Flood's character, his impact on the story, and any irony Boyle uses in writing about Flood.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 673 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample