Central American Migrants and 'La Bestia' Comprehension Questions (copy)
Read the text and respond to the questions. The passage discusses the journey of Central American migrants through Mexico on freight trains known as 'La Bestia,' the dangers they face, and the Mexican government's response.
Group 1
Answer the following questions based on the attached passage.
Source 1.1
Mexico has often been accused of turning a blind eye to Central American migrants passing through the country on their way to the United States. With the recent unaccompanied child migration crisis garnering major attention in the United States, the trains that have served as unofficial conduits for some of this migration have come under scrutiny, causing the Mexican government to take action.
Up to half a million Central American immigrants each year climb aboard freight trains, colloquially referred to as “La Bestia,” on their journey to the United States. These cargo trains, which transport goods northward for export, have no passenger cars, so migrants ride on top of them, facing dangers like amputation or death if they fall. Besides the hazards of the trains, migrants also face extortion and violence from gangs and criminal groups controlling the northern routes.
In the past, Central Americans encountered little opposition from authorities when entering Mexico and boarding these freight trains. However, in July 2014, the Mexican government implemented measures to prevent migrants from riding the trains, such as increasing border patrols and increasing the speed of the trains.
By Rodrigo Dominguez Villegas
Question 1a
What does the phrase 'colloquially referred to as 'La Bestia'' suggest about the freight trains?
Question 1b
Which statement best summarizes the central idea of the text?
Question 1c
Which sentence from the text best supports your answer in part 1B?
Question 1d
What does the phrase 'turning a blind eye' suggest about Mexico's response to the migrants before 2014?
Question 1e
First, read the dictionary definition. Then complete the task.
Definition (noun). critical observation or examination.
Select the word from the text that most closely matches the definition provided.
Mexico has often been accused of turning a blind eye to Central American migrants passing through the country on their way to the United States. With the recent unaccompanied child migration crisis garnering major attention in the United States, the trains that have served as unofficial conduits for some of this migration have come under scrutiny, causing the Mexican government to take action.
Question 1f
How might Mexico's change in policy toward Central American migrants affect the challenges faced by those migrants traveling on "La Bestia"? Explain using evidence from the passage.
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