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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 doesn't Rachel tell her parents about Izzy's second fall right away?

2. Where is Izzy taken directly after collapsing on Baker Street?

3. What does Rachel hear in Chapter 34 when she is outside of Izzy's hospital room?

4. What does Lewis tell Rachel occurred at school when they speak in Chapter 37?

5. What does Shirley do when Rachel tells her about Izzy's second fall a full day after it occurs?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Jeremy feel about the letters Rachel sends?

2. Describe Lewis Olswanger.

3. Describe Izzy's death.

4. Why is Izzy furious with everyone in Chapter 38?

5. How does Shirley cope with her father's illness?

6. How does Izzy's death impact his family as a whole?

7. How does Rachel celebrate Helena's birthday?

8. Are Rachel and Jeremy close?

9. Why doesn't Rachel want to leave the hospital with her parents on Tuesday night in Chapter 40?

10. What does Izzy's handprint mean to Rachel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one question to answer:

1) What if Dr. North had told Izzy about his impending death, rather than just Shirley? Explain how the event of the story might have unfolded differently.

2) How would the story have been different if it was Rachel, rather than Izzy, who was dying of cancer?

3) Analyze what the future would hold for Rachel and Izzy if the old man had recovered and lived?

Essay Topic 2

The change in Rachel and Izzy's relationship as the older man gets sicker and closer to death is the basis for much of Rachel's personal growth in the story and perhaps his too.

1) Select three pivotal moments in the story that changed Rachel and Izzy's relationship, and explain your choices.

2) Why is Rachel the only person in the family that Izzy seems willing to get close to?

3) Could a positive event have served as the catalyst to change Rachel and Izzy's relationship? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Izzy's death leaves some of his family members regretting their unfinished business with him. Why do you think Izzy was unable to form close and lasting ties with anyone but Eva and Rachel? Is the Cooper family better off now that he is dead? Support and analyze both of your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 787 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample