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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. Why is Delaney angry toward his neighbors?

2. Where does Delaney meet Kyra for lunch?

3. Who fixes Delaney's car?

4. What is the subject of one of Delaney's columns?

5. What does Candidó do to protect his family from the attackers?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the first time Kyra sees Candidó.

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

3. Why does América knock on the front door of her employer's home in the middle of the workday?

4. What is Delaney's response to Kyra's report that she called the police about the group of Mexicans outside the convenience store?

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

6. What is the general message of Delaney's column, "Pilgrim at Topanga Creek"?

7. Why does Kyra begin sleeping in Jordan's bedroom?

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

9. Where does this story take place?

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

Boyle's story presents two marriages that appear to be very different from one another. How are the relationships different? How are they the same? Be sure to use specific examples from your reading.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the experience of Candidó and América in the first part of the book from the point at which Candidó is hit by a car to the point at which he is recovered from his injuries. What is it like for them to be living in the United States? What are the advantages and disadvantages of their current living and employment situations?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 731 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample