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 do Mrs. Ellsworth and Oceola do while she conducts the interview?

2. What does Oceola's boarder do with his money?

3. When was Oceola born?

4. Who recommends Oceola to Mrs. Ellsworth?

5. What is the purpose of the service(s) that Mrs. Ellsworth insists on providing for Oceola?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Oceola manage to attend college?

2. What does Mrs. Ellsworth try to get Oceola to do after she finds out information about the boarder?

3. Why does Mrs. Ellsworth think Oceola is a victim?

4. How did Oceola learn piano?

5. How does Oceola feel about art?

6. What does Mrs. Ellsworth find fascinating during her time with Oceola in Section 2 of the story?

7. What does Mrs. Ellsworth think that Oceola needs to do in order to realize her potential?

8. Why does Mrs. Ellsworth decide to do these things for Oceola?

9. What does Mrs. Ellsworth arrange for Oceola after she realizes she will not give up her passions?

10. What does Mrs. Ellsworth announce to Oceola after their first meeting?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Harlem causes tension in the artist/patron relationship between Mrs. Ellsworth and Oceola. Both characters attach certain meanings to the places they prefer. Mrs. Ellsworth tries many different things to fix this problem, but she does not ever fully succeed in her efforts. Why does Mrs. Ellsworth dislike Oceola's residence in Harlem? How does Mrs. Ellsworth try to remove Oceola from Harlem, and how does Oceola respond to these actions? Make sure you answer each part of the question and use examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

"The Blues I'm Playing" takes place in another time period, and its setting provides an interesting backdrop that adds depth to the story. Describe the time period that this short story takes place in as well as the different places. How does the time period influence the characters? How does each place reflect Oceola or Mrs. Ellsworth? Make sure you answer each part of the question and use examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Music is the thread that weaves this story together. Mrs. Ellsworth prefers classical music to jazz and the blues. Oceola plays what she feels because music is something that is woven into her life, not compartmentalized the way Mrs. Ellsworth sees it. What do the blues and jazz mean to Oceola? What do they mean to Mrs. Ellsworth? Describe how Mrs. Ellsworth and Oceola differ in their views on how music should play a role in their lives. Make sure you answer each question and use examples from the story to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 670 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample