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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. For how long has Starnes lived in Gutshot?

2. For how many years has Starnes worked at the same place?

3. What does Hassan take Colin to do at the end of Chapter 2?

4. Why do the boys stop at a convenience store?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Hassan and Colin discuss concerning prodigies and geniuses?

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

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

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

5. What are Colin and Hassan supposed to do that day and what do they accomplish?

6. How does Colin keep himself awake while driving and why is that ironic?

7. What do all of Colin's former girlfriends have in common besides having dated Colin?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

As Colin listens to what Hassan is telling Lindsey, Colin realizes for the first time in his life that his life is a repeating circle. His road trip and working on the theorem are the first two things he is doing in his life that will break the circle. For the first time, Colin also realizes what the missing piece is that he feels inside; it's that he simply wants to matter. Colin also realizes that Lindsey is a symbol of irony because she seems like a tough person on the outside, but on the inside she is really a wimp.

1. Discuss the ways in which Colin's life is a repeating circle. Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.

2. Do you think everyone wants to matter to someone or to the world? Why or why not? Use examples from your own life and the text to support your answer.

3. What are some of the ways people use to matter to the world? Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.

4. Discuss reasons someone like Lindsey might show a different face on the outside to what she is on the inside. Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "An Abundance of Katherines" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if this is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "An Abundance of Katherines" a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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