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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. What comment does Julio Menjivar hear from the police officers who are passing by the looting scene?

2. In what state is Walter Park in while he is being interviewed?

3. Why is Josie Morales never called to testify for the trial of Rodney King?

4. How does Joe Viola describe the way he felt when he was caught in the riots?

5. What effect does being a policeman have inside a courtroom?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Explain Salas' feelings of racism, and how it affects his daily life.

3. Describe Katie Miller's stand on the looting and the looters in general.

4. Describe Elaine Brown's stand on guns.

5. How does the Hollywood agent feel when the verdict comes out? How does he describe the scenes he witnesses?

6. Describe the scene in Julio Menjivar's neighborhood when the National Guard arrived.

7. Explain what the "Badge of Courage" is and its relevance in the Rodney King story.

8. Describe Elvira Evers' story. How is she affected by the events surrounding the Rodney King trial?

9. Briefly explain Gil Garcetti's theory about the magic that surrounds police officers.

10. Describe Paul Parker's crusade. What drives him to pursue this crusade?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Choke holds" was a topic that was discussed in the story. One of the theories offered that cases against police officers would increase because of choke holds being eliminated, which would then result in uncontrolled violence among police officers. Is this theory valid? Does it say, then, that the police cannot determine for themselves what is acceptable and what is considered abusive? Are choke holds a limitation, or an opportunity/justification for violence?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

A young female student from the University of California describes her ordeal at the time the riots broke. She describes how fearful she was for her safety and ironically, she discussed how fearful she was for her father's car. What can be deduced about this young student's personality based on the thoughts that are running through her head? Paint a profile of this young student and her position on racism. Specify which instances and statements illustrate her personality.

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