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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. Why does Marcus try to keep Ellie from seeing the newspapers in Chapter 31?

2. Why is the Christmas dinner a disaster?

3. What does Will realize is the only interesting thing about him?

4. What does Fiona begin doing in the mornings again in Chapter 29?

5. What does Fiona tell Marcus about his father in Chapter 31?

Short Essay Questions

1. What disappoints Marcus in Chapter 29?

2. Describe the Christmas dinner in Chapter 22.

3. Who is Rachel?

4. What lie does Will tell Rachel?

5. Why does Will feel hesitant about helping Fiona in Chapter 30?

6. What happens outside a news agent in Chapter 27?

7. Why does Fiona suggest that Marcus visit his father? What makes Marcus agree to go?

8. What shocks Marcus' classmates in Chapter 21?

9. What deal do Marcus and Will make in Chapter 26?

10. Who argues in Chapter 23?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss depression and suicide as depicted in the novel "About a Boy". Why does Fiona attempt suicide? How does her depression and attempted suicide impact Marcus? How is Kurt Cobain's suicide and depression depicted in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the motif of love and romance in the novel "About a Boy", particularly between Will and Rachel and Marcus and Ellie.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the use of humor in the novel "About a Boy". What are some examples of humor used in the novel? What types of humor does Hornby use? Why might he use humor?

(see the answer keys)

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