View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Don find out later about when he woke and was singing?

2. What does one friend ask Don?

3. What does Don think the staff expects of him when he leaves?

4. Why were some members of a church upset with the soloist?

5. Why does Don feel badly about his children?

Short Essay Questions

1. What surprised Eva most about Don in the months after the accident and what did she do about it? How does she view Don?

2. Why has Don agreed to see a local police officer?

3. What does Don tell about waking up and having someone holding his hand and what does he find out about that?

4. Who sees Don off when he leaves the hospital and what do they expect?

5. What did Don do instead of watching more television and what was the end result?

6. What kind of award does Nicole receive and how did she qualify for it?

7. After several years what had Don told Eva about his death?

8. What are some of the obstacles Don faces in daily living because of his physical problems?

9. What two things does Don realize after sharing his story with others?

10. What does Don say at Joyce's memorial service?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As Don describes heaven, the reader relaxes and time comes to a standstill. The reader begins to wonder about who will comprise his own heavenly welcoming committee.

1. Explain why you agree or disagree with the above statement.

2. Many people have claimed to have died and report many different scenarios. Why do you think this might be?

3. Describe what you would like to see and who you would like to see if you had been in Don's place.

Essay Topic 2

Don has difficulty discussing his trip to heaven with anyone for several years after the accident. Don told Eva only a tiny portion of what had happened, and she never pesters him with questions, sensing he is not ready to talk. One day, David Gentiles visits Don at home and asks Don how he is feeling. As the conversation progresses, Don begins to share the entire story of his ninety minutes in heaven with David.

1. Why do you think Don was able to tell his story to David and not to Eva?

2. Do you think that Don and Eva must not have a good marriage if he tells someone his story before he tells her? Why or why not?

3. How would you feel if you were Eva? Discuss in detail what she might have been feeling and how you would react if you were her.

Essay Topic 3

Wrapping it up. Choose one of the following and write a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance:

1. Trace a major theme in the book using examples from numerous points in the book. Tell why you think it is a major theme and any symbols that illustrate the theme.

2. Compare and contrast who Don is at the beginning of the book versus the Don at the end of the book. Use details and examples to illustrate your points.

3. What do you think might have been the author's reason (i.e., the author's agenda) for writing this book? Give detailed examples to support your response.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,263 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample