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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. To what summer program did Lina once apply for entrance?

2. Who directs the packing?

3. What are they told when the truck stops?

4. What does Lina recall drawing?

5. What does Jonas do without complaint?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are Ona and the bald man in danger and what do the others do?

2. Where are the prisoners and what does Lina remember about Stalin's agriculture policies?

3. What does Lina realize about her father's words about drawing?

4. Where do the prisoners arrive and where is Lina's family assigned?

5. Why does Elena rush her children and what is the mood when they get back on the truck?

6. What happens in Vilnius?

7. What do Lina and Elena do on their first day?

8. What does Lina's father say to Lina?

9. What happens to Ona?

10. What does Lina tell a gray-haired man about her drawing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Between Shades of Gray belongs to the young adult novel genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the young adult novel genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a young adult historical novel and an adult historical novel mystery?

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Lina and Elena. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Elena and Andrius' mother. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Between Shades of Gray help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Between Shades of Gray". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Sepetys chooses the symbols she does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Sepetys chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Sepetys's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliff hangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Sepetys use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

(see the answer keys)

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