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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 interrupts Hodge's explanation about the circle?

2. What does Jace throw at Raphael?

3. What does Hodge say Valentine is besides powerful?

4. What do Jace and Clary steal?

5. What happens when Jill stands before the Council?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Who do Jace and Clary encounter near the dumpsters at the Hotel Dumont and what does he tell them?

4. What happens to Clary when she goes before the Silent Council?

5. What happens to Raphael when they are searching the inside of the Hotel and where do they find him?

6. What does Magnus Bane explain about the mental block in Clary's mind?

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

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

9. Where does Jace get weapons to fight the vampires and what is the relationship between the shadowhunters and various world religions?

10. What does Brother Jeremiah learn when he examines Clary and what does he suggest?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Whenever reading a science fiction or fantasy novel, one must become familiar with new terminology that explains concepts or technology that is not a part of the "real" world. In the case of "City of Bones", there is a great deal of new magical terms and familiar words with new meanings. Discuss the following:

1. Find five terms that are a part of the world of "City of Bones" that are a part of the language but mean something different. Define the words as used in "City of Bones" and compare those five words as to how they are currently used in the American English language.

2. How does the language of "City of Bones" from that of real world New York? Are there words you did not know in the book? What? How do you learn their meanings? What does it mean to grasp a the meaning of a word through its context? Can you do that in "City of Bones"? Give an example of several words whose definition are made clear through the context of how the word is used.

3. There are ways of learning about a new world or time when reading a science fiction or fantasy novel. Discuss the ways you were able to understand the world of "City of Bones" through its vocabulary. Did you have to look up any words?

4. Were there any words you never really understood from "City of Bones"? Which ones? Why?

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

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Clary and Isabelle. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Jace and Simon. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in "City of Bones" help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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