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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. At their third meeting, Kinsey asks Gwen how old Laurence and Nikki's son Colin was when she last saw him. What was her answer?

2. Colin Fife shows his mother and Kinsey a photo of Gwen Fife. What does he call Gwen?

3. Before going back to Santa Teresa, what does Kinsey do at the Glass house?

4. Kinsey pulls a gun on Lyle Abernathy when she returns to the key place. What is the result of this?

5. Kinsey picks up her developed photos after visiting the homicide division. What is significant about the photos?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Kinsey go after she has attempted to find out more from Colin about Gwen?

2. What does Greg Fife tell Kinsey about his father's allergy that might have some bearing on the case?

3. After confronting Lyle in L.A., Kinsey goes to the accounting firm where Libby used to work. What does she tell Garry Steinberg that she suspects about Charlie?

4. After Diane talks about her parents, Kinsey asks her about Bruno, the dog who died on the last Labor Day weekend Laurence was alive. How does Diane respond to this?

5. What does Kinsey learn at her meeting with Garry Steinberg?

6. After her third visit to the Glass residence, Kinsey returns to Santa Teresa and sleeps until 4 in the afternoon. Then she heads to Nikki's beach house. What happens at the beach house?

7. After taking photos of Marcia Threadgill, Garry Steinberg passes some information on to Kinsey. What is it, and why might it be important to the case?

8. What surprising things does Gwen Fife tell Kinsey when she meets her at Rosie's Bar?

9. On the Monday after her meal with Charlie, Kinsey meets with Con Dolan at homicide. What is the outcome of her meeting with Con?

10. After Garry shares his news about Lyle, Gwen Fife calls Kinsey, and they arrange to meet for lunch. What does Gwen tell Kinsey, and how does Kinsey respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The role of the protagonist is portrayed in "'A' Is for Alibi" in both a positive and a negative light. Give at least three examples from the novel that characterize Kinsey in both these lights. Analyze one aspect of her behavior in the novel that shows her, as a protagonist, less than perfect.

Essay Topic 2

Define the component of the literary element of plot known as exposition. What purpose does it serve in writing? Give four examples of Sue Grafton's use of exposition in "'A' Is for Alibi" that enhance the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Tone refers to the attitude of the author of a work. Through Kinsey, as the narrator of "'A' Is for Alibi," what is the author's tone at different stages of the book? Explain the tone, with examples:

1) At the beginning of the book, when Kinsey takes on the Fife case

2) When Kinsey is doing the groundwork of her investigation

3) When Kinsey gets involved with Charlie

4) When Kinsey gets the answers she needs to solve the case

(see the answer keys)

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