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 Hassan do in order to go back to Hollis' house early?

2. In what area does Colin not excel at school?

3. When does the latest Katherine break up with Colin?

4. What does Hollis want Hassan and Colin to do the next day?

5. What does Colin tell his parents when he calls them?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where does the tour of the famous grave begin and who gives the tour?

3. What does Hassan do in order to be able to go back to the Hollis home earlier than they are supposed to?

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

5. Why does Colin call his mother?

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

7. What is the notebook that Colin sketches in while waiting for the tour guide to return?

8. What do Lindsey and Colin discuss before bedtime?

9. Why does Hassan seem to think that Colin's problem is spiritual?

10. What happens when Colin talks to Katherine and what does he do as a result of the conversation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"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?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "An Abundance of Katherines". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of self awareness in "An Abundance of Katherines". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess self awareness? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of letting go of the past in "An Abundance of Katherines". How does Colin finally realize he needs to look to the future? How does his struggle bring him to that point? What events propel him into the future? What other characters struggle with letting go of the past?

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "An Abundance of Katherines" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 927 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample