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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. In "Attendance," the author writes, "Can't hop on the subway / without thinkin' of" what?

2. What poet does Tyrone say sounds a lot like rap in "Tyrone Bitting"?

3. What does Wesley say his friend wants to be, but doesn't think he'll live long enough to achieve it in "Wesley Bad Boy Boone"?

4. The author writes in "If" of planting what kind of roses "in your garden"?

5. What famous music hall and theater where many black musicians and comedians started their careers is mentioned in "Long Live Langston"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Lupe describe her home life in "Lupe"? What is the poem "Brown Hands" about?

2. How does Janelle feel about performing poetry? What takes place when the students perform?

3. What project does Tanisha ask Mr. Ward about in "Tanisha Scott"? What does her poem describe?

4. How is mirror imagery used symbolically in the narrative?

5. What motivations drive the character of Raul?

6. How does Gloria describe her life in "Gloria Martinez"?

7. How does Diondra feel when her artwork is exposed in "Diondra"?

8. How does Leslie describe her life in "Leslie Lucas"? Why doesn't she feel she fits in?

9. How does Judianne describe herself in "Judianne Alexander"?

10. Who does Lupe call after breaking up with her boyfriend in "Lupe"? What do they discuss?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify and analyze symbolism in the poem "Brown Hands." How does symbolism relate to a poem's themes?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the imagery and symbolism in the poem "Common Ground." What does the earth represent in the poem?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the characters of Wesley and Tyrone and discuss the narrative style of the novel. How does the author distinguish between the different voices in the narrative?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 954 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample