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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. How much pay could Colin and Hollis earn at the factory?

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

3. Who is Zeke?

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

5. Who is going to be teaching at summer camp?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Colin doing at the opening of the novel and what is he upset about?

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

3. What does Colin think about as he is lying on the ground waiting for the tour guide to return?

4. What was Colin's first date with Katherine IXI?

5. Who is in the convenience store when Colin and Hassan return from the grave and what does the person say to Colin?

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

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

8. Where does Lindsey go after interviewing Starnes?

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

10. What does Hollis offer Hassan and Colin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "An Abundance of Katherines", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement.) Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "An Abundance of Katherines". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

1. What is foreshadowing? How many incidences of foreshadowing are in "An Abundance of Katherines"? How does foreshadowing contribute to a book's suspense?

2. Discuss an example of foreshadowing in "An Abundance of Katherines" including why you believe it is foreshadowing. Include examples from the book and your own life to illustrate your answer.

3. How do you think most people react to uncertainty in their lives? Use examples from "An Abundance of Katherines" and your own live to support your opinion.

(see the answer keys)

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