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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 the Professor offer to buy for Jeff if Jeff isn't happy with his Christmas gift?

2. At what time was Jeff's plane supposed to leave, which gave him little time to make it?

3. Jeff continues to ___________ to Melody each and every month, even though she does not reply.

4. Who is Melody's boyfriend who comes along to help pick up Jeff at the airport?

5. Where does Brother Thomas decide to take Jeff when he learns Jeff has not eaten?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does the Professor do when he reads the note that was left for him from Melody?

3. What does Jeff do when he goes to the island for one final time in Charleston?

4. What did Jeff bring back from Charleston for Brother Thomas to enjoy?

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

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

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

8. What does the Professor give to Jeff for Christmas, which causes Jeff to cry?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The Professor is a complicated character as well, with hidden emotions and an inability to talk about what he feels at times.

Part 1: Why do you think the Professor was given a name instead of being called 'Dad'?

Part 2: Why do you think it's difficult for the Professor to talk about his feelings?

Part 3: How do you think the Professor feels about Melody leaving him?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout life, people make decisions based on the reactions of others. Jeff does this often in accordance to his parents and with whom he is living.

Part 1: Why does Jeff favor his mother at the starting point of this story?

Part 2: Why does Jeff change his mind about his mother at one point of the story?

Part 3: Which parent does Jeff seem to love more? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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