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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. About what does Vicki wonder concerning dolphins and being alone?

2. What does Vicky do after Rob talks to her?

3. What do the siblings decide to do about the swallow problem?

4. To what is Vicky drawn in Adam?

5. What does Vicky not tell her siblings?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Zachary's family do with his mother's body, and how does Vicky feel about what she hears?

2. About what does John wonder when he spies Zachary and how does Vicky react to John's statement?

3. What does Vicky compare about Adam and Zachary?

4. Why are Vicky's parents gone when she arrives back home?

5. What does Leo come to Vicky's house late in the evening to say?

6. What does Zachary tell Vicky about himself in relation to Commander Rodney?

7. What does Vicky find that makes her feel better when she gets home from her date from Zachary?

8. Describe the unsettling conversation between Suzy and Vicky.

9. How do the dolphins break Vicky out of the deep hole she was in?

10. What are Vicky's thoughts about Suzy and what is Adam's response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "A Ring of Endless Light", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "A Ring of Endless Light". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot.) Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "A Ring of Endless Light" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "A Ring of Endless Light"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "A Ring of Endless Light" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Madeleine L'Engle.

2. What in L'Engle's background may have helped her in writing "A Ring of Endless Light"? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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