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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 do the boys do in the streets near Esmeralda's home in "Casi Senorita"?

2. Where does the family live in "Dreams of a Better Life"?

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

4. What do the children use to block out the sound of the bar next door?

5. How many rooms does the family move into in "Letters from New York"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has Mami's appearance changed after her return from New York?

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

3. Why does Esmeralda say that it is impossible to escape the stench when her family lives in El Mangle?

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

5. How does Esmeralda's family react when they learn that Francisco has cancer?

6. Describe the house the family moves into at the beginning of "Letters from NY".

7. Discuss the letter that Esmeralda writes to her father and the family's reaction to it.

8. How does Esmeralda describe her first experience of snow?

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

10. What happens when Don Joaquin calls on sinners to cast off evil?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine Santiago's discussion of the increasing U.S. influence. How does Santiago address the growing U.S. presence in the lives of Puerto Ricans? How does her perspective compare to Papi's perception of the U.S. American "imperialists"? Consider events such as the hygiene and nutrition meeting in forming your answer.

Essay Topic 2

The coming of age story, often referred to as a bildungsroman, is a subset of the literary tradition in which the author describes the trials and tribulations of coming into adulthood. Research the form of the bildungsroman, then discuss Santiago's memoir with regard to this form. How does it compare? In what ways does it differ? Why does Santiago choose to develop her memoir in this way?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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