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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. What makes Aidan Lynch hope that the wrecked motorbike does not belong to Frank?

2. What does Brian complain about Nan studying upstairs?

3. Why is Annabel sure that Benny will bring home new friends from Dublin?

4. What does Nan wrangle out of her father, Brian?

5. Who does Nan leave to come speak with Benny?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are two surprises Eve gets when she visits Westlands?

2. What develops for Eve as a result of the accident?

3. What is Nan's comment when Benny cannot stay for Frank's funeral and has to take the bus back home?

4. Explain why Brian wants Nan to study downstairs with her brothers.

5. What is Nan's activity at the dance?

6. What happens that makes Benny feel like a little traitor?

7. How does Benny reprimand her father for sending Sean to bring her home?

8. What is Eve wearing at the dance that gets her many compliments?

9. How does Nan react when Eve tells her all about Westward?

10. What do Eve and Heather talk about as they get better acquainted?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on The Character of Benny in Circle of Friends. Divide the essay into three main points--Benny physically, Benny mentally and psychologically, and Benny at the end of the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on Dysfunctional Families. (1) The Mahon family is the most dysfunctional because of Brian's alcoholism. Explain in detail why that is, speculating whether Nan would have been the same had her family life been better. (2) Even good families have times of dysfunction as in the case with Dr. Foley's family with his wife's insecurity. (3) The Westward family's dysfunction has literally destroyed the family unit. Your essay should discuss in detail the dysfunctions of each of these families and point out the results of those problems.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on Self Esteem. Your essay should be in two parts. First discuss how too much self esteem as in the case of Nan, can lead to disaster. The second part of the essay should focus on too little self esteem, like Benny, and how that causes insecurity and pain. Conclude the essay with a summary that recommends moderation in how one sees oneself.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 670 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample