View a FREE sample

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. Who pays for the lunch that Melody and Jeff share in a nice restaurant in town?

3. When Melody comes to pick Jeff up, he is overwhelmed by her _____________, warmth and cheerfulness.

4. When Brother Thomas asks if Jeff will go back to visit his mom, Jeff says _____________.

5. What does Jeff write to Melody after he arrives back in town from his trip with his mother?

Short Essay Questions

1. What doesn't Jeff mind about waiting at the airport for his mother?

2. What is happening at the house where Melody says that she and Jeff need to stop?

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

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

5. What is the reason that Melody gives to Jeff for leaving him and the Professor?

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

7. Why does Jeff feel that his schooling is a waste of time and a waste of money?

8. What does Jeff do in order to stay in contact with his mother, Melody, after he returns home?

9. Why are the two women at the house surprised to be introduced to Jeff by Melody?

10. What does Melody tell Jeff about the river in Charleston when they are out exploring the tow?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

No matter what happens with his mom, Jeff seems to still want a relationship with her. Even with unanswered letters, he continues to hold onto the picture of her he has in his head.

Part 1: Why do you think Jeff is so committed to being loyal to his mother?

Part 2: If you were Jeff, would you be so loyal? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think that Jeff should have given his mother another chance? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Professor points out at one point that all families that are happy are happy in the same way, but those that are unhappy are unhappy in unique ways.

Part 1: Do you think families can ever be completely happy? Why or why not?

Part 2: Why do you think unhappy families have unique experiences of being unhappy?

Part 3: Do you think the idea that families can be unhappy makes the unhappy family situation easier or harder? Why?

Essay Topic 3

The complexity of the relationships in this story mirror so many other families in the world.

Part 1: Why do you think the adults in this story seem to have so many troubles with their relationships?

Part 2: Why do you think Jeff is put into the middle of the problems with his parents?

Part 3: Why do you think relationships are so difficult?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 738 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample