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

2. The Professor admits that Melody was often ___________ with him - first by his inability to first buy a big engagement ring and then buy a house.

3. When the Professor gives Jeff an allowance week after week, what does Jeff save up to buy?

4. Melody takes Jeff into the city to show him how green and polluted the ______________ is.

5. What does Jeff realize he must do as night falls upon him at this island?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jeff does a number of things in order to try to escape his feelings and his troubles.

Part 1: Why do you think Jeff is draw to the marshes when he is out living with his mom?

Part 2: Why do you think Jeff goes to the roller coasters in order to escape his feelings?

Part 3: Do you think it's every possible to escape your feelings? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Jeff's mom seems to be a character who is lost in herself and lost in her baser needs.

Part 1: Do you think Jeff's mother, Melody, is a good person? Why or why not?

Part 2: Why do you think Jeff's mother doesn't try to spend more time with Jeff?

Part 3: Why do you think Jeff's mother decided to walk out on her family?

(see the answer keys)

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