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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. In Chapter 18, why is Mr. Neely so comfortable having people over when Jessie is at his apartment?

2. In Chapter 18, what does Jessie overhear Mr. Neely say will continue?

3. What does Jessie do with the glass of water Mr. Neely gives her in Chapter 17?

4. What surprises Jessie the most the first time she visits a store in 1996?

5. Where does Jessie see a news conference in Chapter 20?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Jessie think of her cat after jumping out of a window?

2. How does Jessie escape Mr. Neely's apartment?

3. What makes Jessie comfortable with Mr. Neely when she first meets him?

4. In Chapters 17 and 18, what does Jessie overhear Mr. Neely say on the phone?

5. After first leaving Clifton, what things does Jessie question about money?

6. In Chapter 14, what do Jessie and the "fat man" talk about?

7. What does Jessie see on television in the hospital in Chapter 23?

8. What does Katie tell Jessie about the children of Clifton in Chapter 22?

9. How does Jessie feel when she meets Ray?

10. During Jessie's press conference in Chapter 21, what does she reveal about Clifton?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore the theme of education in this novel. What role does school play inside and outside of Clifton? What alternative ways to achieve an education are presented? What is the purpose of education in this novel?

Essay Topic 2

Explore the message the author provides about the relationship between adults and children. Are these two groups at odds with each other as enemies, or do they work together? How does the relationship change? What does this relationship reveal?

Essay Topic 3

How is "Running Out of Time" a commentary on technology? Consider Jessie's introduction to the technology of the 1990s. What are the positive uses and effects of technology? What are the negative uses and effects? What seems to be the author's message about technology?

(see the answer keys)

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