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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. How did the author feel about summertime?

2. What book did Isrolik carry around with him?

3. Why did the author listen to the singers?

4. Why did the C.P. Organizer say the author couldn't join the Socialist party?

5. Who did the author call "The Chicken Lady?"

Short Essay Questions

1. What did the author write his final high school paper on?

2. The author met two boys who were part of the Socialist group, David and Isrolik. What was it about these boys that the author enjoyed?

3. The author gave Mrs. Solovey an alternative name -- what was the name and why did he give it to her?

4. Mr. Solovey wasn't the most likable person in the neighborhood. What didn't people like about him?

5. The author and his mother take a day trip to a local attraction. Where did they go and what did they experience?

6. What are the details the author remembers most about the drugstore?

7. The author read from his prayer book every morning. What were his feelings and experiences?

8. Why is the idea of "beyond' so important to the author?

9. What are the author's main means of escape in this section?

10. The author liked to go to the courtyard to hear music, why was there always music in the courtyard?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When the author talks about his longing for "beyond," what does he mean and how does he feel he can accomplish this goal? Please make sure to include examples from the text in addition to your own ideas.

Essay Topic 2

During the summer of his 16th year, the author joins a group with Socialist ties. What does the author feel his connection to the Socialist group is? His parents were of the Socialist influence, was that his draw to the party or did he truly believe the party would make what was wrong in his world right?

Essay Topic 3

In the second section, the author is given a nickname by his father. This nickname deeply affects the author. With specific examples from the text, please describe how it touched the author and how his view of his father changed at that point.

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This section contains 986 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample