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 does the author describe the storm carrying her through in Chapter 5?

2. In Chapter 5, the author writes, "You give yourself back until nothing's left but the dissolving blues of" what?

3. The author writes in Chapter 5, "Exactly why we survive and can look back with furrowed brow is" what?

4. What does the author describe pouring three bowls of in Chapter 5?

5. What word does the author use in Chapter 5 to mean a thing that blocks one's way?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the narrator describe overcoming her inner struggle in the conclusion of Chapter 5?

2. What scenario does the author present when an unnamed man is arrested in Chapter 6?

3. How are "words" presented in Chapter 5?

4. What is an example of irony in Chapter 5? How does this example serve the work?

5. What does the author state regarding the Jena Six case in Chapter 6?

6. What assertions does the author make regarding the James Craig Anderson incident in Chapter 6?

7. How is the theme of anger explored in Chapter 6?

8. What are some examples of imagery (simile, metaphor, etc.) in Chapter 5?

9. What color is explored in Chapter 5? What does this color represent for the author?

10. What theme is explored by the author in examining the Trayvon Martin case in Chapter 6?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. How many people died during this natural tragedy? What prevented the victims from receiving help? How does the author characterize the response to Katrina?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme and concept of "presence." What does presence mean? How does it apply to race and dealing with racism? What does the author equate presence with? How is presence connected to breath?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of identity in Citizen: An American Lyric. How is identity formed? How are African American identities influenced differently than white identities? How does language relate to identity?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 789 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample