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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 one line from the poem "Mom, Since You Asked, I'll Tell You Why I'm So Angry," Josh says, "Because the only thing that matters is" what?

2. Josh describes relatives visiting the hospital from how many states in "Santa Claus Stops By"?

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

4. What does JB's girlfriend ask for seconds of at the dinner table in "The Girl Who Stole My Brother"?

5. What is the final word that is printed smaller than the others in the poem "The Last Shot"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What character is compared to a storm in the poem "Storm"? How does the author make this comparison?

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

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

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

6. How does the advice in "Basketball Rule #9" apply to life?

7. What is the significance of the repetition of the word "alone" in "I Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Used To"?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the meaning of the title of The Crossover? How does Josh define "crossover" in the narrative? How does this term apply both to basketball and to life?

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

Several poems throughout The Crossover are titled "Basketball Rule #." What is the significance of these particular poems? How do these poems stand out stylistically from the others in the verse novel?

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