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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 Dave decide is the reason teenagers join gangs?

2. Where did Dave live at the beginning of the book?

3. What did Dave manipulate Nicky into doing the last night of the rally?

4. What does Gwen say people shouldn't pray for?

5. What does the judge decide not to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the author describe at the beginning of the book and what does he feel he should do? Do you think he seemed ignorant about the circumstances?

2. What is the first part of Chapter 5 mostly about? What are the two likely ways that Dave could have ended up with a grandfather like that?

3. What does Dave think would give the gang members the best chance at change? What does he think the gang members need to do? Do you agree with his thoughts?

4. What idea is formed after Dave talks to Ortez's congregation? Do you think it was a good idea?

5. What did he tell his congregation and how did they respond? Do you think this was the reaction most congregations would have?

6. What happens at Dave's first attempt at street preaching? Why do you think it helped him with his mission?

7. What happens when Dave returns to the jail with his signatures? What would you think the chaplain's motivation might be besides what he said?

8. What did Dave do shortly after he arrived back in New York? Do you think the gang members would have talked to him if he hadn't been thrown out of the courthouse?

9. What did Dave decide he needed to do when he arrived in New York? Does this appear to be a wise decision?

10. How does his attempts to find the parents go at first and what gives him his first break through? Do you think him "stumbling" onto the front door of the father is an amazing coincidence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author of THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE is still alive today and still involved in Christian evangelism. Sometimes when reading a somewhat autobiographical piece, it is useful to learn more about the author. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast David Wilkerson's growing up with that of one of the most prominent members of the street gangs.

2. Discuss some of the major beliefs that Wilkerson holds. Analyze and respond to these beliefs.

3. What is Wilkerson doing today? Are there any surprises? How do you feel about how his ministry has evolved? Discuss thoroughly.

Essay Topic 2

The author takes a very straightforward, simple approach to telling his story. There are no poetic or literary embellishments. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think the author deliberately chose the particular writing style for a reason?

2. Does the style help or hinder the message in the book? Explain fully.

3. Does the style help or hinder reader enjoyment? Explain fully.

Essay Topic 3

Wilkerson believes the street gangs are all acting out of a sense of deep loneliness and feeling unloved. Discuss the following:

1. Do you believe Wilkerson is correct about why the street gang members act out?

2. How do you think religion makes the gang members feel loved and not lonely?

3. What are some other ways that gangs can be reached if they reject the religious approach? Do you think those ways are as effective?

(see the answer keys)

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