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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. During Will's and Fiona's meal in Chapter 32, what does Will realize is the only thing Fiona needs?

2. Who is Clive?

3. What does Will not know about life?

4. Where does Marcus refuse to go in Chapter 31?

5. What does Will promise he will do for Marcus in Chapter 26?

Short Essay Questions

1. What makes Will unhappy enough to skip Christmas in Chapter 18?

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

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

4. What does Will tell Marcus in Chapter 20 when Marcus tells Will about his run-in with Ellie?

5. What do Ellie and Marcus talk about at the party in Chapter 25?

6. What disappoints Marcus in Chapter 29?

7. Who is Ellie? What do Ellie and Marcus talk about in Chapter 19?

8. What does Will confess to Rachel in Chapter 28?

9. Why does Marcus try to keep Ellie from reading the papers in Chapter 31?

10. What do Will and Fiona discuss over a drink in Chapter 18?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Marcus struggles with bullying throughout the novel. Why might he be an easy target for bullies? What does Marcus do to try and avoid the bullies? Who does he blame for the bullying? What do the authority figures in his life do to help him?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss conflict in the novel "About a Boy". Who is in conflict with whom and why? How do these conflicts affect the plot and the characters?

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