1.
Chapter 1 a.
What is most likely the reason that Rico wants to leave for El Norte? Give two details (evidence) from the story in your answer. b.
What is the meaning of the word cautious on page 3 in the first paragraph?
as it is used
2.
Chapter 2 a.
Each of these words could be used to describe Victor.
Choose the word you think best describes Victor. careful friendly hardworking
Then, provide details (evidence) from the selection to support your choice. b.
Which word could the author have used on page 7 paragraph 4 instead of reverence.
3.
Chapter 3 a.
Predict what Victor will do now that Rico is gone. Cite circumstances (evidence) from the story to support your prediction. b.
On page 11, Mr. Hobbs uses the phrase “not–sobeautiful” to describe Silao. What does this mean?
4.
Chapter 4 a.
How did Victor most likely feel when he was speaking with Se ñ or Rivera in chapter 4? b.
On page 18, Senor Rivera mentions “free trade” when speaking with Victor. What does “free trade” mean?
5.
Chapter 5 a.
How does Victor’s life change after speaking to old priest in Chapter 5? b.
Read the thesaurus entry below.
Spiral (Verb). 1. wind. 2. twist. 3. curve. 4. turn

Nearing the top, I spiraled around the summit of El
Cubilete, the Tumbler, until I reached the road, which was jammed with cards, taxis, and tour buses creeping into the parking lot. (Crossing the Wire, page 26).
Which synonym could replace
1.
wound
2.
twisted spiraled in the above sentence?
3.
curved
4.
turned
6. Chapter 6 a.
Victor most likely feel when he left he arrived in Silao? b.
What is the meaning of the word downcast used in the last paragraph on page 33?
as it is
7.
Chapter 7 a.
Based on the information in chapter 7, what do you think will happen to Victor? b.
The author uses the word “crumpled” to describe the people getting out of the truck. What does this mean?
8.
Chapter 8 a.
Read the paragraph. What inference can you make about Victor?
I spent the day where it felt safest, in Mazatlán’s most crowded streets. Over and over, I wondered if I should just give up and try to go back home.
But that wouldn’t solve anything. Somehow, I had to get to El Norte. Late in the day I headed for the train yards. There was no ay around it: I had to get back on a train. This time I had to be smarter, and hope for better luck. b.
What word could the author have used in the third paragraph on page 51 instead of churned ?

9. Chapter 9 a.
Based on the information in the story, what will most likely happen when Victor and Julio are asleep? b.
What is the meaning of the word in the sentence threaded as it is used
With me at his elbow, Julio threaded his way through the crowds and the tourist shops, the pharmacies, past some hotels with campesinos spilling out of the lobbies onto the streets.
10. Chapter 10 a.
Based on the information in the story on pages 71 and
72, what do you predict will happen to Hector? b.
What did Julio mean when he said the city of Nogales c.
had irritated him on page 70?