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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. In which state did Nanny begin the summer road trip described in Chapter 5: "You Can't Swim in Cowboy Boots"?

2. In addition to managing a secretarial pool, Matt's mother also ran what type of business?

3. With which members of Matt's family did he always walk home from school before he was old enough to walk on his own?

4. Which member of Matt's family lived through brain aneurysm surgery, causing Matt to begin to smile again?

5. During which month of the year did Matt's participation in jumping rope become problematic?

Short Essay Questions

1. Provide evidence for the conclusion that Matt and his brother Garrett loved living at Nanny's house during the week.

2. Who was the first Black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress?

3. Explain Matt's theory about the origins of strict gender norms.

4. How did the commemmoration of Black History Month always make Matt feel as a child?

5. Which sport was the one Matt dreaded the most when he was very young and how did he avoid it?

6. In what way does Matt portray language as powerful within Act One: A Different Kid?

7. What warning did Matt's friend Todd provide to him and how did Matt respond?

8. What connection does Matt make between symbolism and danger in Chapter 6, "You Can't Swim in Cowboy Boots"?

9. What is the first sentence of Chapter 1: "Smile" and what is its intended purpose?

10. Where did Matt attend elementary school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what way does Johnson utilize irony within the text? Discuss at least three uses of irony within All Boys Aren't Blue and explore each instance's connection to larger themes contained within the piece.

Essay Topic 2

Examine Johnson’s use of characterization methods to portray himself within the narrative. What effects do these characterization methods have on the themes and messages inherent in All Boys Aren't Blue?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the role of Matt’s grandmother Nanny within the memoir All Boys Aren't Blue. How does Johnson use Nanny’s role to highlight themes included within the overall narrative?

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