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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. What language(s) did Noah speak upon his arrival in the United States at age four?

2. Who else accompanies Michael and Noah as they enter Noah's apartment together for the first time?

3. The first line of Chapter 1: The Call evokes the image of what kind of man "packing his bags" (12)?

4. What is NOT a piece of advice Rosa gives to Noah about Michael as she leaves his apartment in Chapter II: Twenty Questions?

5. From what location does the novel's protagonist, Noah, hear his wife Joan speaking in Chapter 1: The Call?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Michael react when Noah asks him about the knife he brought to school one time?

2. In what setting does Chapter III: Takeoff Speed begin and what is revealed about Michael in this setting?

3. Describe the photographs that are included alongside the novel's epigraph.

4. Discuss the possible significance of the novel's epigraph and name two themes that appear within its content.

5. What is revealed to have been the cause of Joan's death in Chapter II: Twenty Questions?

6. Which photograph within the biography puts off a distinct sense of danger and why?

7. For what reason does Rosa enter Noah's New York City apartment in Chapter II: Twenty Questions?

8. For what reason did Noah and Joan refrain from having children?

9. Why is Chapter II entitled Twenty Questions and what is the title's significance?

10. To what phone call does the title of Chapter I: The Call refer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what way does Donoghue go about breaking the text into parts and how do these structural elements help to fulfill the goals of the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

What messages does Donoghue send to the audience about the themes of isolation and outreach?

Essay Topic 3

What is the purpose of the four photographs Donoghue includes within Akin and what is their connection to one of the novel's main themes?

(see the answer keys)

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