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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. Where does the psychologist work that Colin's parents consult?

2. Where do Colin and Hassan stop to sleep?

3. What does the tour guide see written in Colin's notebook?

4. What is significant about the person whose grave they visit?

5. What does Colin remember about his third grade tutor?

Short Essay Questions

1. What approach do Hassan and Colin use on Hassan's father to gain permission for the trip?

2. What happens to Colin as they are following their tour guide behind the store and who helps him?

3. What does Hollis say Colin and Hassan will do for their job?

4. Where does Lindsey go after interviewing Starnes?

5. What happened when Colin's parents enroll him in a pre-school?

6. What does Colin overhear Hassan and Lindsey talking about and what do the three young people do that evening?

7. What do Lindsey and Colin discuss before bedtime?

8. Who is waiting for Colin when he gets out of the shower and what do they tell Colin?

9. What does Colin decide to do while waiting for dinner?

10. What does Hollis offer Hassan and Colin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "An Abundance of Katherines".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "An Abundance of Katherines". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "An Abundance of Katherines". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

Ironically, Colin is a genius, but he is lacking in common sense. For example, he can read the story about the tortoise and the hare, but he does not see the underlying meaning of the story. In another twist of irony, Colin is a genius but he is not socially advanced, so when he starts school, the other kids do not like him, bully him and think he is strange.

1. Discuss reasons it might be ironic that Colin is so smart academically but has no common sense. Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.

2. Discuss ways and events in "An Abundance of Katherines" that demonstrate Colin has few social skills. Use examples from your own life and this story to support your answer.

3. Do you think must geniuses are socially inept? Why or why not? Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

"An Abundance of Katherines" belongs to the young adult novel genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the young adult novel genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a young adult novel and a historical novel or mystery?

(see the answer keys)

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