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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. What do Petra and Calder wonder about Mrs. Sharpe?

2. What are Petra and Calder shocked to see on their way to school?

3. Why hypothetical situation does Ms. Hussey put to Calder and Petra?

4. Who does Mrs. Sharpe know who was murdered?

5. About what does Mrs. Sharpe seem pleased?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Ms. Hussey in Chapter Fifteen?

2. What happens when the thief's letter appears in newspapers around the world?

3. Where does Petra find Calder and the painting?

4. How does Calder find "The Lady Waiting"?

5. What do Calder and Petra wonder as they sit in Gracie Hall?

6. Who is chasing Petra and Calder and what happens?

7. What does the letter from Tommy say and how do Petra and Calder help?

8. How do Petra and Calder manage to have access to some of the hidden areas of the school?

9. How does Calder manage to search Mrs. Sharpe's house, and what does he find?

10. What happens when Petra enters her kitchen the next morning?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Chasing Vermeer".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Chasing Vermeer". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Chasing Vermeer". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Chasing Vermeer". Questions that Balliett 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 Balliett's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Balliett's probable agenda concerning that idea.

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

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

4. Research the life of Balliett and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

Essay Topic 3

The art information given in Chapter 3 encourages young readers to be interested in art and its connection to literature. This chapter is an example of teaching across curriculum and how various school subjects are related. Ms. Hussey gives the students a quote by Picasso regarding how are tells a lie but also tells the truth.

1. Discuss the ways in which art and history are connected. Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

2. Explain what is meant by teaching across curriculum. Use examples from "Chasing Vermeer" and your own life to support your answer.

3. Choose one of the following pairs of school subjects and explain, in detail, how they are connected in real life. Math/English; Science/History; Art/Social Studies or Math/Music.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 975 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample