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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 does Hodge explain?

2. Who has been watching over Clary?

3. With whom does Clary argue at the Institute?

4. What happens to Dorothea?

5. What does Jace point out about the Mortal Cup?

Short Essay Questions

1. What scene demonstrates Isabelle's dubious cooking abilities?

2. Why are Hodge and the Lightwoods punished and what are their punishments?

3. What does Dorothea say about Valentine and what does she reveal behind the portal curtain?

4. How does Clary demonstrate her discovery and what does she deduce about the Mortal Cup from her discovery?

5. What does Dorothea do as Clary is holding the Mortal Cup and how does Clary respond?

6. Why does Clary think Jocelyn put the Mortal Cup in the tarot deck?

7. What does Clary discover about some runes?

8. What happens when Jace lets go of Raphael and who comes to Jace and Clary's rescue?

9. What happens when Clary and Jace return to the Institute?

10. What does Hodge explain about the Circle?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Cassandra Clare.

2. What in Clare's background may have helped her in writing "City of Bones"? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "City of Bones" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why this book is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "City of Bones" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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