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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 Chapter 40, how does Bobby answer Xiayue's questions about America?

2. In Chapter 23, how long does Arcangel agree to work for Rodriguez?

3. In Chapter 24, what does Rafaela say made her start acting weird?

4. In Chapter 45, how does Rafaela find her way to Bobby?

5. What does Gabriel ask Emi to do for him while he is out of town in Chapter 27?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Buzzworm keep telling Emi about the police in Chapter 31?

2. Why is Rafaela nervous during her bus ride with Sol and Arcangel?

3. What happens when Gabriel goes to Mazatlan in Chapter 32?

4. How does Gabriel feel about the use of technology in his news reporting?

5. What happens after the gun is fired in Chapter 42?

6. In Chapter 27, what does Gabriel ask of Emi while he is away in Mexico?

7. What happens when Gabriel calls Emi in Chapter 29?

8. What does the situation on the freeway remind Manzanar of in Chapter 28?

9. What does Bobby think is strange as he drives north with Xiayue into Los Angeles?

10. What does Buzzworm do once he has possession of the cooler Rafaela mailed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does "Tropic of Orange" reveal about relations between the United States and Mexico? Research the history of this relationship and compare it to the depiction of the relationship in this novel. Consider how the citizens interact as well as the official governments.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Buzzworm to official social workers or hired news crews. How does each group feel about their jobs/roles? How do they fulfill roles? What does having Buzzworm fill this position reveal about the official workers?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the use of creating a novel out of many smaller stories that are interconnected briefly through the relationships between the characters. Is this useful? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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