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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 some white men do that makes Bailey so upset one night?

2. What does the pregnancy prove to Maya, in her mind?

3. How does Maya prove she is not a lesbian?

4. How long does it take Maya to get a job with the street car company?

5. Maya says has gained independence but lost what?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Maya feel about San Francisco as a community?

2. What happens when Momma and Maya arrive in St. Louis?

3. What happens when Maya decides she wants to work on the street car?

4. What does Momma do when Maya has cavities that need the attention of a dentist?

5. Describe Maya's perceptions and experience in her first year at George Washington High School.

6. Describe Maya's reaction to Edward Donleavy's speech about blacks.

7. Describe Maya's trip to Mexico with her father.

8. How does Maya feel about school when she returns and what does she do about it?

9. How does Maya feel about her pregnancy and what does she do?

10. Describe the reason for George Taylor's visit and the visit itself.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Maya gradually learned to become an activist for black civil rights. Is there any area in your life where you are working for a cause? Explain what you do and if not, write about a cause you believe is good.

Essay Topic 2

Maya learns hope and faith through her religious community but also learns fear and hate from living in a segregated and oppressive environment. How do you think the positive values of hope and faith can balance the fear and hate in Maya's life? Use examples from the book to illustrate your answer.

Essay Topic 3

With her grandmother's stern discipline and religion, her rape and abandonment by both her father and mother, and dealing with racism, Maya had a difficult childhood. How do you think that might have made her the person she became?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,113 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample