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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. Which of the following causes a disturbance in the atmosphere?

2. What object is loaded into the truck?

3. Where do Craig and the girl hide?

4. Craig often feels as if he is competing against:

5. When Craig was little he thought it was caused by ____.

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the scene with Raina and Ben in the kitchen.

2. Describe the events at breakfast.

3. Discuss Raina's family.

4. How does Craig feel about singing as a form of praise? What else does Craig offer?

5. Discuss the scene between Steve and Craig as they work outside.

6. What are Craig's thoughts about Laura and her disability?

7. Describe the opening scene with the brothers?

8. What happens when Craig and Raina find each other in the cafeteria?

9. Discuss the conversation between Craig and his minister.

10. Discuss the conversation between Craig and Judy, Raina's mother.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Craig struggles with a great deal of shame and guilt. The shame and guilt originate from Craig's upbringing and effects his thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Discuss, in depth, Craig's issues with shame and guilt, what causes those issues, and how they might be dealt with in a positive way.

Essay Topic 2

Raina tells Craig that her parents adopted Ben and Laura because they felt blessed and lucky and wanted to share their good fortune with someone in need. Discuss this philosophy. Why do you think Steve and Judy chose to adopt kids with Down's syndrome? What did Raina mean when she said that her parents hadn't planned for the long haul? Do you believe in being blessed or lucky? What might happen to Ben and Laura after the divorce?

Essay Topic 3

Craig and Phil experienced sexual abuse as young children. Explain why Thompson glosses over the situation and the resulting effects of the abuse. Also discuss the situation and how it affected each character.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 952 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample