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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. At what type of carnival does the narrator of the chapter entitled "The Cousin" join a team of people competing in a sculpture contest?

2. Who kicks over the box of ashes upon coming to visit Garfield?

3. Sarita's biological father is related to the Garcia girls in what manner?

4. Garfield intends to take what action at the end of the current school year?

5. Yo is said to be the same age as which member of Garfield's family?

Short Essay Questions

1. What example does the narrator of the Prologue give for the type of details Yo had revealed on the radio show?

2. What secret does the narrator of the Prologue's gloomy sister give to the narrator?

3. What event occurs in the Garcia household that causes Mami to start taking Valium and sleeping pills?

4. What is the symbolism of the powder Sarita's mother uses in an effort to get to New York City?

5. Describe the relationship between Yo and Garfield.

6. How does the theme of control arise within the Prologue?

7. What action does Mami threaten to take against Yo within the Prologue?

8. Who includes a special note for Sarita on the back of a photograph she sends to the Dominican Republic?

9. Discuss an example of magical realism Alvarez includes within the narrative.

10. With which of her four daughters does Mami not get along?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a critical essay about Julia Alvarez's novel Yo! while using the critical power theory lens of feminist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novel's treatment of gender roles, the objectification of women, female empowerment, misogyny's role within society, or any other issues related to feminist theory that can be found in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Sensory details are used frequently by the author in order to create vivid pictures of each character's progression through the narrative. Choose three scenes in which sensory details are heavily used and discuss how the sensory details used serve Alvarez’s purpose of creating vivid characters.

Essay Topic 3

Determine Alvarez's message within her novel Yo! regarding the idea that some coping methods are more effective than others when dealing with conflict or stress.

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