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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. Who does Kyra find inside the Da Ros mansion?

2. What is the topic of discussion at the party in Delaney's neighborhood?

3. What does América request from her employer?

4. Who or what is watching América from the brush near the campsite?

5. What does Delaney give to the person he hits?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Delaney's encounter with the light-skinned Mexican and his friend like?

2. What are the interactions between América and Candidó like after he returns from being beaten?

3. What happens to Candidó in the parking lot of the Chinese grocery?

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

5. What are two examples of crimes at Arroyo Blanco Estates that are discussed at Jack's party?

6. What is Kyra's response to the large group of Mexican men sitting outside a convenience store?

7. Describe América's experience looking for work at the labor exchange.

8. Is the security fence effective in keeping out coyotes from residents' yards? How do you know?

9. How does Delaney perceive fall weather in Los Angeles?

10. Describe the relationships between Delaney, Kyra, and Jordan.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters' names are symbolic in this story. Choose two characters and describe what their names symbolize. Why would Boyle choose these particular names for the characters?

Essay Topic 2

How do specific characters conform to expectations of those around them in Boyle's story? In what context does this occur? What is the author seeming to say about the impact that conformation may have on relationships between people?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 661 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample