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. Why do the Lockton's have house guests?

2. Who comes to the cell window when Isabel calls for Curzon?

3. Where is Isabel when she wakes?

4. What does Isabel realize as she sees the person in #125?

5. Why is the Lockton household busy?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who comes to the window of the prison when Isabel calls for Curzon?

2. What happens after Isabel returns with Mr. Lockton from the docks?

3. What does Isabel take to the prisoners, and why is she allowed to do so?

4. Describe Isabel's experience at the book store.

5. How does Isabel feel towards and treat Curzon?

6. Why is there more work for Isabel after British invade New York City?

7. What news does Captain Morse give Isabel to give the prisoners hope?

8. To what horror does Isabel awaken one morning and how is Lady Seymour responding to the emergency?

9. What happens at Isabel's trial, and what is the outcome of the trial?

10. What happens when Madam Lockton arrives at Colonel Regen's camp?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Chains" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Chains"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Chains" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Chains", questions that Anderson most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Anderson's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Anderson's probable agenda concerning that idea.

3. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

4. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

5. Research the life of Anderson and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

Essay Topic 3

"Chains" belongs to the young teen historical fiction genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the young teen historical fiction genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a young teen historical fiction and a fantasy or mystery?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,087 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample