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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 does Q decide to do at the minimall?

2. Why does Ben take NyQuil?

3. What do Q's parents say about people mirroring?

4. Where does the sentence that the boys find say you will go?

5. Whose house are Ben and the others at for an after-prom party?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Q go to a party when Ben calls him?

2. What does Q do in the souvenir shop while waiting?

3. What changes does Q find in the mini mall?

4. What does Q do at Holly Meadows?

5. Why is Q relieved when they find a raccoon?

6. How does Q finally figure out where Margo is?

7. What are Ben and Radar's theories about Margo and how does Q feel when he hears them?

8. What do Q and Lacey talk about in the bathroom?

9. What clue does Q try to figure out and track down?

10. What transpires the first five hours of their trip?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Paper Towns help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Paper Towns? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Paper Towns to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Paper Towns and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Paper Towns is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Paper Towns, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Paper Towns. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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