View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Rachel do when Izzy falls, for a second time, according to her journal entries?

2. Where are Rachel and Izzy when the old man falls again in Chapter 31?

3. Why does Rachel decide to skip the birthday party in Chapter 32?

4. Whose birthday occurs in Chapter 32?

5. In Rachel's journal account of Chapter 39, why does she say that Shirley had to leave Izzy on Sunday?

Short Essay Questions

1. Are Rachel's reactions to situations in Chapter 34 appropriate?

2. Who is Rachel closest to in After the Rain?

3. Describe Izzy's death.

4. Describe Rachel and Izzy's visit to the cafe in Chapter 32.

5. How does Rachel feel about MB?

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

7. How does Rachel say her family is dealing with Izzy's illness in her journal entry in Chapter 31?

8. How does Rachel react to her Grandfather's groans as she waits outside his hospital room in Chapter 34?

9. Describe Izzy's interactions with the hospital staff in Chapter 36.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Acceptance of death is an on-going theme in the novel.

1) Which character does the best job of dealing with Izzy's impending death and why?

2) Which character will have the most difficult time after Izzy's death?

3) Based on events in the story, explain whether it is easier to deal with a family member death if you have a good relationship with them or a strained one.

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)

This section contains 819 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample