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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 make sure that everyone knows about the scar on his chest?

2. By in Chapter 4, The Fight for Food, how is Dave treated by the rest of the family?

3. What does Dave's teacher, Miss Moss, start questioning him about?

4. Once school starts again in Chapter 4, The Fight for Food, what is Dave's mother feeding him?

5. What are the contents of the lunch Dave's mother has been making him every day for three years?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the two excuses Dave makes in Chapter 1, The Rescue, to explain how he got the bruises on his face.

2. Describe the types of inquiries Miss Moss starts to ask Dave in Chapter 4, The Fight for Food.

3. What does Dave's mother tell the doctor when she dislocates his shoulder?

4. Explain what type of punishment Dave's mother invents for him when she doesn't think the corner treatment is effective anymore.

5. Describe the breakfasts Dave usually receives from his mother.

6. Describe Dave's family life before the abuse starts.

7. What does the police officer tell Dave as they drive toward the outskirt of Dale City in Chapter 1, The Rescue?

8. Summarize Dave's father's reaction to Dave's punishments, as described in Chapter 4, The Fight for Food.

9. Explain how Dave manages to get food at school in Chapter 4, The Fight for Food.

10. What does Dave decide to do when he can no longer steal food from school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Dave's views of the Russian River from the first time the reader is introduced to the vacation spot up to the time he visits it as an adult.

- What are his feelings in the good times?

- How does he feel when the family goes without him?

- Analyze his emotions when he brings his son, Stephen, to the Russian River.

Essay Topic 2

Evaluate the relationship between Dave and his mother.

- How does Dave's father affect Dave's relationship with his mother?

- How does Dave feel about his mother at the end of the book?

- Give examples from the story of how they interact with one another.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the book, Dave's mother tortures him.

- Describe three of the punishments she inflicts upon Dave.

- Describe how he survives the punishments.

- Analyze his emotional state after the punishments are over.

(see the answer keys)

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