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 Myron pretend to be with the girls at the mall?

2. Who is the girl that tipped off Crusty?

3. What does Linda do when Myron catches her attention outside her house and asks for more information?

4. Why is Cissy adamant about seeing Win now?

5. Why does Myron call Francine Rennart again?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Myron secure a meeting with Lloyd Rennart's widow?

2. What is the shocking news that Linda gives Jack when she phones him?

3. What is Reginald's reaction when Myron tells him about Chad's kidnapping?

4. What does Linda tell Myron about what happened last night on the night of Jack's murder?

5. Explain Esperanza's theory of the kidnapping.

6. Why does Myron not call the police after he discovers Tito's dead body?

7. What conclusion does Myron come to regarding the kidnapping at this point?

8. How does Esme react when Myron confronts her about being involved with Chad?

9. Explain why Tad has multiple motives in Jack's murder.

10. How does the author portray teenagers in the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Greed takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for the lives of Myron, Linda, Chad, and Win. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, socialization, etc.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the taboo of homosexuality that still existed at the time BACK SPIN was written in 1997. Compare and contrast homosexuality in America during the late 20th century to homosexuality in America today. What major changes have occurred, including both positive and negative?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,115 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample