Crossing the Wire

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. What is the meaning of the novel’s title, Crossing the Wire?

A) It describes the characters’ desire to escape their circumstances.

B) It refers to the journey to cross the US-Mexico border.

C) It metaphorically refers to Victor’s journey and development.

D) t is derived from a moment in the novel when the characters cross a fence.

2. Why did Victor receive the nickname Turtle?

A) Victor is believed to be overly cautious and slow.

B) It describes Victor’s shy and careful nature.

C) It refers to crossing the border into the United States.

D) It explains Victor’s reluctance to enjoy life.

3. What does the jaguar or tigre represent in the novel?

A) Victor’s reincarnated father

B) Those who are hunted by the Border Patrol

C) Fear of Victor’s new adventure in the US

D) Strength from home and family

4. Which of the following is the best comparison between Rico and Victor’s characters?

A) Rico and Victor are friends because they have similar characteristics.

B) Victor is intelligent and shy, while Rico is reckless and boisterous.

C) Rico is outgoing and adventurous, while Victor is careful and cautious.

D) Victor has endurance, while Rico gives up easily.

5. Which best describes the novel’s theme of Globalization and the Changing World Economy?

A) Victor feels responsible for providing for his family.

B) People like Jarra profit off the backs of undocumented immigrants.

C)  Mexicans at the border sell gum and clean cars for extra money.

D) New manufacturing jobs have destroyed Mexico’s farming economy.

6. Which of the following is an example of a moral dilemma Victor faces as he attempts to cross the Mexican border?

A) He decides not to enter the tunnel with Julio.

B) He eats food with Julio that was likely stolen.

C) He follows Miguel, who seems dangerous.

D) He carries a backpack full of drugs.

7. What can the reader infer about Victor’s reason for the traveling companions he chooses?

A) He chooses those who look the strongest to cross the border with.

B) He selects his travel companions based on those who are willing to speak.

C) He determines the friends he will travel with based on their knowledge.

D) He selects individuals who will provide him with the easiest crossing.

8. Which of the following is not a potential danger faced by Victor?

A) Police dogs

B) Border Patrol

C) Starvation

D) Gangs

9. What connection is made by Victor to Miguel?

A) Victor recognizes Miguel as like Julio.

B) There are similarities between Miguel and Victor’s father.

C) Victor sees Miguel as an older version of his brother.

D) Miguel is similar to Rico.

10. What best explains why cars are a significant motif in the novel?

A) No one in Los Árboles can afford a car.

B) There are no luxury vehicles in Mexico.

C) Rico wants a vehicle of his own.

D)  Cars represent the American Dream.

11. What do snakes in the novel symbolize?

A) Resilience

B) Fear

C) Courage

D) Perseverance

12. Ultimately, what causes Rico to return to his family?

A) He values his family now more than ever.

B) He does not like working in the fields and wants to sell cars.

C) He feels there is no purpose in being in the US without his brother.

D) He decides that having money does not make him happy.

13. What best describes the way Victor’s character changes in the novel?

A) He becomes more selfish and cynical.

B) He becomes more fearful and desperate.

C) He learns the value of patience and perseverance.

D) He becomes braver and takes calculated risks.

14. How does the conflict in the novel contribute to the story’s meaning?

A) It highlights the importance of perseverance and determination.

B) It emphasizes the harsh realities of illegal immigration.

C) It describes the cultural differences between the US and Mexico.

D) It explains the complicated relationships within families.

15. What best describes Victor’s motivation for crossing the border?

A) He wants to prove to Rico he can.

B) He is forced to flee Mexico because of Jarra.

C) He must provide for his family.

D) He wants to live a peaceful and profitable life in the US.

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. Why do you think Julio and Victor refuse to make easy money by carrying drugs across the border? Why did the author choose to include this in the novel?

2. Did Rico’s mother have a valid reason to be worried about Rico joining Reynaldo in the United States?