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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. How often does the train stop?

2. What do the train occupants do when it rains?

3. Who is in the hut where Lina's family is assigned?

4. What is obvious about Andrius when he gets back to their railroad car?

5. What happens one day when Lina is sent off the train?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Elena, Lina and Jonas forced to do?

2. What happens when Lina's family is first on the train?

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

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

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

6. What does Lina remember about her artistic abilities?

7. What does the bald man say about Hitler, and what does Lina think about it?

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

9. How does Lina's quick thinking help her mother?

10. What upsets Lina about being told to shower but why is she happy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Between Shades of Gray based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if "Between Shades of Gray" 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 "Between Shades of Gray" a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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