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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. Where does Rachel work from 5 to 9?

2. What best describes Izzy's mood at the family dinner in Chapter 15?

3. What does Rachel do, as of Chapter 25, ever time she sees Izzy?

4. Where are Rachel and Lewis when they first kiss?

5. What does Helena make for Mikey after school in Chapter 12?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the relationship between Rachel and Jeremy.

2. How does Rachel feel about playing paddleball with Helena's family?

3. What does Izzy tell Rachel about his handprint in Chapter 29?

4. Why does Rachel think that something is wrong with her in Chapter 13?

5. Why are Izzy's houseplants so important to him?

6. Is Rachel mature or immature?

7. How does Rachel's handling of Izzy's fall affect her parent's perception of her?

8. Describe the dinner when Izzy cooks for Rachel.

9. What is the tone of Rachel and Lewis's first two phone calls?

10. How does Rachel recognize Izzy's bad mood in Chapter 22?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One theme of After the Rain is the competition for affection and attention. Analyze how this plays out between the following sets of characters:

1) Lewis and Izzy.

2) Helena and Rachel.

3) Rachel and Alice Farnum.

Essay Topic 2

Select one of these options to write about:

1) Explain why you think visual imagery, symbolism, or irony is the most important literary technique in the novel.

2) Analyze animal metaphors in the story.

Essay Topic 3

Rachel and Izzy have striking similarities in their personalities and the way they deal with people.

1) Of Rachel and Izzy, who is more mature for their age?

2) Compare and contrast this granddaughter and grandfather.

3) Of Rachel and Izzy, whose way of dealing with the world is most effective?

(see the answer keys)

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