Speak Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - First Marking Period (through page 14)

1. What is Melinda's state of mind on the first day of high school, and how do the students on the bus treat her?

2. What are some names Melinda comes up with for groups of students in the auditorium, and to what group does she belong?

3. How does Melinda's former friend Rachel respond to Melinda in "First Marking Period"?

4. Who introduces herself to Melinda in "First Marking Period", and why is she friendly when no one else is?

5. How...
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