ER Lesson 4

Based on the article, which of the following sentences defines the Mexican Caste System?   

• A system by which people are categorized and sometimes discriminated against based on how successful they are and how hard they work.

• Any system that allows discrimination against people.

• A strict system of official class distinctions based on racial characteristics that people are born into.

• The system of racial categorization invented in Mexico

Based on the passage, what is Mama's main concern about the income from the grapes?

• Whether it will be enough to support the family.

• If it will be enough to buy new furniture.

• How much the grapes will sell for.

• Whether she can keep the house.

Based on the passage, Esperanza's childhood name is:

Based on the passage, what can we understand about Abuelita's attitude towards her money in the bank?

• She is eager to use it for personal things.

• She's not sure if she will be able to use it because of Tio Luis's influence.

• She is confident that Luis will help her.

• She believes it will not be needed at all.

What can be inferred (understood) about the speaker's view of life in the United States compared to their current situation?

• They think life in the United States is easier.

• They believe there are more opportunities to stop being servants in the United States.

• They feel the United States is just as bad as their current situation.

• They do not see any differences between the two places.

Which of these lines is evidence of the uncles' bad reputation?

• "But your uncles, you know their reputation"

• "The work is hard in the United States"

• "Your father was a good man"

• "They would take it all away and treat us like animals"

How does Miguel feel when he looks at Esperanza?

• Really happy to be around her

• Indifferent and bored

• Full of hurt

• Angry and frustrated.

What does Esperanza think about after Miguel leaves?

• That everything seems right.

• That nothing seems right

• That she wants to leave Mexico

• That she should talk to Miguel again

Based on your knowledge about the Mexican Caste System, what does this phrase mean?

"You were right, Esperanza. In Mexico we stand on different sides of the river".

• It suggests that everyone in Mexico is treated the same.

• It means that they live in different cities.

• It indicates that Esperanza is wrong about her beliefs.
• In Mexico, there are many differences between people's lives and cultures, and this is because of the Caste System.

What does the wooden box of papayas symbolize in the text?

• The joy of celebration

• Papa's unfulfilled intentions

• Tio Luis's presence

• The family's wealth