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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. Lupe says that "getting to college takes more than" what in "Lupe"?

2. What is the last line of "The Door"?

3. "Bronx Masquerade" was named the Coretta Scott King Award book in what year?

4. How old is the person who asked Janelle to marry him in "Janelle"?

5. In "Self-Portrait: A Poem for my Father," the author writes "Your definition [of love] is a" what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Porscha's character represent symbolically in the narrative? How does her character relate to Chankara's?

2. What does Mai Tren represent symbolically in the narrative?

3. How does Porscha describe gaining her reputation in "Porscha Johnson"?

4. What does Diondra's father become furious about in "Diondra"? What does she leave him in the hopes he will begin to understand her?

5. What passion motivates Steve in "Steve Ericson"?

6. What does Wesley say to Sheila which makes her reconsider changing herself in "Sheila"? How does she express this in "Private Puzzle"?

7. How does Raynard feel about schoolwork in "Raynard Patterson"?

8. Who is Amy envious of in "Amy Moscowitz"? Who gives Amy advice about jealousy?

9. What commentary does Tyrone contribute after the reading of "Private Puzzle"?

10. What metaphors does Janelle use in the poem "The Door"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the poem "For the Record" and the character of Tanisha in the narrative. What archetype does Tanisha fill in the class?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the imagery, structure and themes of "Black Box." How does the theme of judgment apply to the poem and to the narrative?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample