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

2. It seems to Jeff that the object flying across the island is saying ______________.

3. ____________ used to tell Jeff that the Professor wasn't much of a father, which makes Jeff upset.

4. Jeff becomes talented at reading the Professor's ____________ and figuring out what he might want.

5. Brother Thomas tells Jeff that his illness has been a __________ to the Professor, but this is a good thing.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who is waiting for Jeff at the train station when he arrives back home?

3. What are Jeff's first reactions to his mother when he sees her arrive at the airport in Charleston?

4. What does Jeff say when Brother Thomas asks Jeff if he will go back to visit Melody the next summer?

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

6. Why does Jeff make himself stop crying when he is reading the letter from his mother, Melody?

7. What does Gambo remind Jeff of the next day at the breakfast table which makes Jeff feel uncomfortable?

8. What does Jeff do with the money he saves up from his weekly allowance he receives from his father?

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

10. What does Jeff realize as night falls when he is on the island's land?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It is revealed that Jeff is actually a very smart man, though his mother and others were quick to point out his faults.

Part 1: Why do you think Melody wanted Jeff to feel as though he was not smart?

Part 2: Why do you think the Professor didn't push Jeff harder in school?

Part 3: Do you think Jeff was a smart student all along? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The relationships between men and women are not as simple as we might like them to be.

Part 1: Why do you think the relationship between Professor and Melody did not work out?

Part 2: Do you believe the explanation as to why Melody married the Professor? Why or why not?

Part 3: How do you think the relationship between Professor and Melody might affect Jeff's perception of relationships?

(see the answer keys)

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