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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. Why did Esme kidnap Chad?

2. Who is a suspect in Jack's murder?

3. What item does Myron find in Tito's truck?

4. What news does Victoria tell Myron on a phone call?

5. Which of the following does NOT describe the man with Jack at the motel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Esperanza's encounter in the biker bar.

2. Explain Esperanza's theory of the kidnapping.

3. Describe the encounter Myron and Esperanza have with Reginald Squires, Carl, and some other thugs.

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

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

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

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

8. What does Francine tell Myron about Lloyd after Myron reveals who he really is?

9. What information does Myron ask Esperanza to find regarding Lloyd Rennart?

10. What is the only situation in the book where the author changes point of view from Myron to another character?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two themes about loss in the book. Then cite an example to support each theme you name.

Essay Topic 2

BACK SPIN is a modern-day mystery story. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Myron. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him at this point in his life?

(see the answer keys)

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