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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 describe eating for dessert in the beginning of "Final Jeopardy"?

2. What is the second word that extends downward on the page in the poem "Fast Break"?

3. What musician does Josh describe listening to in "I Don't Think I'll Ever Get Used To"?

4. At what time is the first text message posted in "Text Messages from Mom, Part Two"?

5. What does Josh say his mother packed in his lunch in "No Pizza and Fries"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What information is related in "Text Messages from Vondie"?

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

3. What actions are described regarding Chuck in "On Christmas Eve"?

4. What is revealed by the phone call in "As We’re About to Leave for the Final Game"? How does the Bell family respond?

5. What condition has led to Chuck Bell's hospitalization in "Fourth Quarter"?

6. What is related of Vondie's girlfriend in "Even Vondie"?

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

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

9. What are some of the questions that appear in the poem "Questions" in "Fourth Quarter"?

10. What is the focus and meaning of "Basketball Rule #7"?

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

Discuss Josh's feelings about Alexis (Miss Sweet Tea) in the narrative. Why does Josh express jealousy over Alexis? What do you think Alexis represents symbolically in the story? Why?

Essay Topic 3

What are some examples of literary or pop cultural allusions in The Crossover? What purpose does each example serve? How to the literary allusions in the novel connect to the characters or themes in The Crossover?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 737 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample