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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 Josh's father suggest Josh do in regards to JB in "The Nosebleed Section"?

2. What is Josh's father's nickname?

3. What is the first question in "Questions"?

4. What is Vondie's girlfriend's favorite color described as in "Even Vondie"?

5. What is JB doing on his bunk when the phone rings in "As We're About to Leave for the Final Game"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How would you describe Josh's attitude at the hospital in "The Doctor Pats Jordan and Me on the Back And Says"?

2. How is the word "profusely" explored in the poem that has the same name?

3. What stylistic elements stand out in the poem "Fast Break"?

4. How are the Christmas celebrations described in "Santa Claus Stops By"?

5. What thoughts and emotions does Josh express in "Dear Jordan"?

6. What are some of the reasons that Josh lists in "Mom, Since You Asked, I’ll Tell You Why I’m So Angry"?

7. What does Josh ask his father in "Okay, Dad'? What ultimatum does he make?

8. What does Josh's mother say happens to "boys with no self-control" (138) in "Suspension"? What does she mean by this statement?

9. What advice does Josh's father give him regarding JB in "The Nosebleed Section"?

10. Why does Josh say JB hates basketball in "Myocardial Infarction"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the genre of The Crossover. Why do you think the author has chosen to relate this story in the form of a verse novel? How would the novel differ if related in prose? What are the benefits of this style?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the character of Crystal Bell in The Crossover. What is Crystal's profession? How would you describe her relationships with the main characters in the story? What transformation does Crystal undergo in The Crossover?

Essay Topic 3

Several poems in The Crossover focus on a single word, such as "Irony." What is the significance of these poems? How do these poems explore language thematically? Why do you think the author employs this style?

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This section contains 805 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample