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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 did Collin say his junior high was called?

2. Which one of these things does Nancy not use to try and get better in August?

3. What does Nancy really want to be?

4. How does Nancy feel about death in September?

5. What does Nancy spit up at the beginning of August?

Short Essay Questions

1. What feelings do Lew and Nancy share about their parents' divorces?

2. When does Lew kiss Nancy for the first time?

3. Why does Nancy want to make Lew proud of her?

4. What does Nancy do on her 15th birthday?

5. Why does Nancy have trouble sleeping at the beginning of September?

6. What do Nancy and her mom do at the beach?

7. What happens the night Collin comes to make dinner at Nancy's house?

8. Why is Nancy frustrated with the gaggle at the beginning of July?

9. Why does Nancy stop playing in the band?

10. What does the doctor tell Nancy when she visits the hospital in August?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

An underlying theme throughout the story is the idea of death and finality. When Nancy is diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, she is aware she will die of the disease. As she struggles with the idea that she will die young, other characters in the story must also cope with the finality of death. Write a response focusing on the idea of death and finality as presented in the story. How do the characters cope with this idea? Use specific references to the text in the response.

Essay Topic 2

Another "character" in the story is Nancy's Self, which she addresses through her diary. While not a physical being, the Self plays an important role in the story. Write a response exploring the role of Nancy's Self in the story. How does Nancy treat her Self? What does the Self do for Nancy? Use specific references to the text in the response.

Essay Topic 3

Lew and Collin are two very important people in Nancy's life and to the story's progression. Write a response comparing and contrasting Lew and Collin. How are they similar? How are they different? How do their separate relationships with Nancy differ? How does Nancy feel about both of them? How is each presented in the story? Use specific references to the text in the response.

(see the answer keys)

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