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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. Who is going to be teaching at summer camp?

2. What does Colin do as Hassan and Lindsey are playing?

3. What was the name of the tour guides first and only boyfriend?

4. What does Colin do when Hassan pulls off the road after they leave the factory?

5. What does Colin overhear Hassan and Lindsey discussing?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Colin respond to what his father tells him when Colin gets out of the shower?

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

3. Whose grave is advertised when Colin and Hassan decide to exit off the interstate?

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

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

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

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

8. What does Hassan propose to Colin's parents and what do they reply?

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

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

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

Hassan is a symbol of what is normal conversation for the average person, so that Colin knows what is appropriate to talk about and what makes people look at him as if there is something wrong with him. Colin relates his inability to see what the future holds with his nearsightedness. While Colin is only 17, he believes that he is past the prime in his life because most prodigies peak at 12 or 13. This thought process reinforces that Colin does not see what is in front of him, the life out there he has left to experience, because he is so focused on his lack of living up to being a prodigy.

1. Do you think it is possible to learn how to talk to people from observing a friend? Why or why not? Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.

2. Discuss the symbolism of Colin's nearsightedness and him not being able to see not only the future but what is normal behavior in a group of his peers. Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.

3. How might not being able to live up to an example, whether it is being a prodigy, or to any older brother or sister or parents' expectations can affect a person emotionally. Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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