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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 color are Nicasia's eyes?

2. According to Mami, why do morenos dislike Puerto Ricans?

3. What is the first word of English Esmeralda hears her mother speak?

4. What does Miss Brown, the homeroom teacher, wear?

5. Which family member dies during "Casi Senorita"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Dona Andrea.

2. Explain why Esmeralda laughs at Sra. Leona at the end of "El Mangle".

3. Discuss the difference in Gladys' and Esmeralda's reactions to the task of peeling potatoes.

4. Describe the church Mami sends the children to in "Casi Senorita".

5. How has Mami's new appearance changed the way she interacts with people in Puerto Rico?

6. Why does Esmeralda scream at Don Luis during her piano lessons?

7. What is Esmeralda's first impression of New York as the plane touches down?

8. How does Esmeralda cope with the embarrassment of being singled out for her sub-standard math skills in front of the class?

9. Discuss the interactions between Esmeralda's family and the taxi driver in "Angels on the Ceiling".

10. Discuss the differences between Angie and Gladys.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role of education in Esmeralda's life. Consider her commentary on each of her school experiences. What is her view of education? How has education affected her? What commentary does Esmeralda provide regarding education in Puerto Rico? About education in the U.S.? Be sure to address the conversation the adult Esmeralda has with her former teacher in the "Epilogue" to the book.

Essay Topic 2

How does Santiago address issues of Puerto Rican identity in this memoir about her childhood and immigration experience? To Santiago, what does it mean to be Puerto Rican? What does it mean to be a Puerto Rican girl living in the United States? How are these two identities different? How are they similar? Support your response with evidence from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Santiago's portrayal of the country with her portrayal of the city. How does life change for Esmeralda and her family as they move back and forth between the city and the country? Which lifestyle, if either, is idealized in the text? Which, if either, is disparaged? How does Santiago balance her portrayal of these distinctly different spaces?

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