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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 Randall not tell his side of the story?

2. What does Neeka's group share?

3. What does Neeka say about Tash?

4. Who does Tash say he will repay?

5. What does D say about a counselor's statement in a group home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Jayjones explain to the younger children about what blacks need to do to stay out of trouble?

2. How does Miss Irene react to the photographer in Chapter 15?

3. Where is D going to live and what do the friends vow?

4. How does Neeka's family enter the prison and how do they feel about the guards?

5. Who was Tash's music teacher and what did he think of Tash's playing?

6. What does Neeka say she wants to do when she grows up?

7. What did Sly and a friend of his do to Tash and Randall?

8. What does Tash look like when he comes into the visitation area and how does he act?

9. What do Neeka and the narrator do when they come home after being with D in Chapter 11?

10. What does Neeka complain about on the way to the prison and what does she think she can do about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jayjones, who is Neeka's older brother, is a star basketball player at Grady High School. He aspires to play professional basketball.

1. Do you think Jayjones is wise to pin all his hopes on being drafted for pro ball? Why or why not? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

2. School athletes often have low grades because they spend too much time on sports. Defend or refute this statement in depth. Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

3. High schools and colleges should require academic excellence from all athletes in case the athlete is unable to earn a living in his/her chosen sport. Defend or refute this statement in depth. Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss After Tupac and D Foster based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if After Tupac and D Foster is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the fact that After Tupac and D Foster is a youth book changes the criteria upon which its success should be judged? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Mama is reading a newspaper article about the trial of Tupac, in which the rapper is accused of sexually abusing a young woman. Mama and the narrator agree that Tupac is innocent of the charges against him and that the judge and jury are being overly harsh because of racism and because of the "thug" lifestyle portrayed in Tupac's music.

1. Do you think in real life innocent people are convicted of crimes they have not done and sent to prison? Why or why not? Discuss your opinion in depth using examples from the book and your own life.

2. Discuss, in depth, with examples, why you think or do not think the court system is influenced by racism.

3. There have been a number of sexual abuse or rape charges against well known or wealthy men. With research, discuss your opinion as to whether wealthy or well known men are generally not convicted as often as ordinary citizens. Use examples from your research to support your opinion.

(see the answer keys)

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