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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. Brother Thomas sends Jeff ____________ about his father from national magazines and papers.

2. Who is the girl that Jeff meets when he is playing his guitar, though she leaves abruptly the first time?

3. Melody says that she merely wants a ______________ from Jeff before she leaves on a trip.

4. Which of Dicey's sisters is quiet, gentle, and has a beautiful singing voice?

5. What is the reason for Dicey's anger, which quickly passes once she realizes what is happening?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the Professor worried when Gambo's lawyer is coming to visit their house?

2. What was Phil's impression of Jeff's mother when she stopped in town to visit Jeff?

3. What does the girl that stops to listen to Jeff do when she comes back to visit a second time?

4. What does Jeff realize about Dicey when Dicey's mother dies?

5. When Jeff is asked to write an essay about a real character for his English class, who does he write about?

6. What is the achievement Jeff learns he and Dicey both share?

7. Who are the two students that Jeff finds interesting at Chrisfeld school?

8. Why do Brother Thomas and the Professor show up at the amusement park to see Jeff?

9. Why does Jeff begin to ride the roller coasters after returning home to his father's house?

10. What does Jeff do for the Tillermans, though he has gone out of his way to avoid them after Melody's visit?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

No matter what happens with his mom, Jeff seems to still want a relationship with her. Even with unanswered letters, he continues to hold onto the picture of her he has in his head.

Part 1: Why do you think Jeff is so committed to being loyal to his mother?

Part 2: If you were Jeff, would you be so loyal? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think that Jeff should have given his mother another chance? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The Professor is a complicated character as well, with hidden emotions and an inability to talk about what he feels at times.

Part 1: Why do you think the Professor was given a name instead of being called 'Dad'?

Part 2: Why do you think it's difficult for the Professor to talk about his feelings?

Part 3: How do you think the Professor feels about Melody leaving him?

Essay Topic 3

When the Professor gets a lot of money for his book, he realizes they can move to a fancy house. But he and Jeff decide not to do so.

Part 1: Why do you think the Professor and Jeff decide to live in the isolated cabin?

Part 2: Why do you think the Professor even suggested he and Jeff move to a bigger house?

Part 3: Why is the cabin setting a good environment for both the Professor and for Jeff?

(see the answer keys)

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