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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 Vicky do after Rob talks to her?

2. What do Vicky and Adam talk about concerning John's work?

3. What does Vicky's grandfather start to call her that he used to call his daughter?

4. What does Vicky not tell her siblings?

5. What does Vicky write and show her grandfather?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Adam react to Vicky's communications with Basil and with whom is Vicky allowed to talk about the experience with Basil?

2. What are Vicky's thoughts about dolphins as she makes dinner that night after her first visit to the lab?

3. Where does Vicky go with Zachary and to what does she compare the experience?

4. What do Vicky and Adam do with the dolphins and how does Adam feel about it?

5. Why are Vicky and Adam happy when they see Ynid?

6. Describe the conversation between Vicky and her grandfather concerning meditation.

7. Who does Vicky first meet at the marine lab?

8. What does Mrs. Rodney offer to do with Grandfather?

9. What happens between Adam and Vicky when they get back to the beach after playing with the dolphins?

10. Who is Adam and what does he ask Vicky at Commander Rodney's wake?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "A Ring of Endless Light" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if "A Ring of Endless Light" is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "A Ring of Endless Light" a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in this book. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of death in "A Ring of Endless Light". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to handle the idea of death well? Why? Which ones struggle against death? Why? (Remember to consider non-human characters)

3. Trace and analyze the theme of family in the novel. Is Vicky's family a typical family? Are they idealized? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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