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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. How does Richard Kim describe the looting?

2. According to Big Al, what could Denny have been trying to do by driving his truck down a residential street?

3. According to Katie Miller, who does the looting in the Korean stores?

4. What reason does Katie Miller give to explain why Korean stores are burned in black neighborhoods?

5. What reassurance does the police officer give to the jurors on the bus whom he is escorting to the courthouse?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Peter Sellars' comparison of his father and the United States. How are they alike, according to him?

2. Why does Twilight Bey stay up all night? Why do people call him "twilight"?

3. Describe Richard Kim's story. How is he affected by the riots and how does he behave during the ordeal?

4. Briefly explain Rudy Salas, Sr.'s hatred of white police. Where does it come from and what continuously fuels it?

5. How does Mrs. Young-soon Han describe the injustices suffered by the Korean immigrants?

6. Describe the riot which changed Michael Zinzun's life for good. What are the changes brought about by this riot?

7. Describe Josie Morales' participation in the Rodney King story. How does she come to witness the beating and what is her story about it? Describe her efforts in becoming a part of the trial, and describe the results of her efforts.

8. What does Chris Oh say about his father's condition? How does he feel?

9. Describe Maxine Waters' unconventional methods of being heard that caused discomfort in other politicians. What are the results of her efforts?

10. What is a "deadeye"? Is Owen Smet a deadeye? Briefly discuss his collection of guns.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Rodney King story affected the whole nation. Is it something that happened because of the timing, i.e. even if it was not Rodney King there would have been some other event that would have resulted in the same outrage and riots, meaning to imply that society at that time was ripe for a disturbance? Or is it unique to the issue, which would have resulted in the same results even in a different time?

Essay Topic 2

Elvira Evers has a very interesting story about how her baby came to be born. How does the book paint Elvira Evers based on the descriptions and the situations cited? Is she religious, bitter, or brave? What can be deduced of Elvira Evers' personality based on the book?

Essay Topic 3

Explain Big Al's point of view and where his opinions and beliefs are coming from. Is there validity in his opinions? He says that there is nothing new about the Rodney King beating. Is this a sign of bitterness or of acceptance? What stand does he have regarding the Rodney King trials?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,495 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample