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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. Jeff, on the island, sees a world in which he is the only ______________ inhabitant.

2. When Jeff cries in his bed after Melody leaves again, he can't believe how easy he was to _____________.

3. Where does Jeff go on the day before he leaves his mother's home?

4. For what faith is Brother Thomas a brother in his order?

5. What is the weather like when Jeff is sitting at the island before he leaves for his father's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Melody's new boyfriend, Max, refuse to let Jeff do when he is staying with them?

2. What does Max tell Jeff about the relationship between Melody and the Professor?

3. Why does Jeff send Melody a beautiful scarf for Christmas the year after he visits her?

4. What does Jeff do in order to feel healed and to feel at home once more?

5. What does Brother Thomas do when Jeff reveals he has not eaten dinner or breakfast?

6. What does Melody tell Jeff when they are out on their walk together?

7. What is the picture Melody painted once that made Jeff wake up worried during the night?

8. What does Jeff, a second grader, find when he arrives home from school one early March day?

9. What does Jeff do the first morning he is with his mom which ends up upsetting her?

10. What does Jeff see as he lingers a bit on more on the island before returning to Baltimore?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The introduction of Dicey seems to bring joy into Jeff's life, giving him a place to be comfortable and loved at the Tillerman home.

Part 1: Why do you think Dicey and Jeff get along so well?

Part 2: What do you think the relationship between Dicey and Jeff will turn out to be after the story ends? Why?

Part 3: Why does the Tillerman family take so well to Jeff?

Essay Topic 2

The relationship between Brother Thomas and the Professor is a friendly one, but seems to be more complicated than it seems.

Part 1: Why do you think Brother Thomas and the Professor are friends in this story?

Part 2: Do you think Brother Thomas helps Jeff during this story? Why or why not?

Part 3: If Brother Thomas had not been around, what might have happened to the Professor and to Jeff?

Essay Topic 3

In the end, Jeff realizes his mother never did understand the idea of value, though he realizes he can - and does.

Part 1: Why do you think Jeff's mother was so focused on money?

Part 2: Why do you think Melody is as damaged as she is in this story?

Part 3: Do you think there is any hope for Melody to become a supportive parent for Jeff? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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