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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. What does Colin do while Hassan and Lindsey are out?

2. What does Colin think there is room enough to do?

3. What does Lindsey think was a way of Hollis raising money?

4. Who seems to have a memory problem?

5. What is the first thing the three young people notice when they arrive in Memphis?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens in the interview with Ms. Mabel?

2. What has Colin figured out about the supposed Archduke's grave and what is Lindsey's response?

3. Why does Hassan say he is not going to work that Thursday?

4. What do Colin and Hassan do first thing the morning after the fight and what does Lindsey say about the fight?

5. What is Hollis' long-plan for keeping the factory going and the town in operation?

6. What do Lindsey and Colin drink in the cave?

7. What does Colin continue to work on and how is it going?

8. Describe the incident that Hassan and Colin have with the feral pig.

9. Who are the boys supposed to interview the day after the fight?

10. What conversation do Lindsey and Colin overhear when they arrive home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

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 941 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample