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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 did Alice's friends and family refuse to discuss with her?

2. What school was Joan Diver's son assigned to, according to Chapter 18?

3. What were Alva and her husband trying to buy, in Chapter 25?

4. What did Cassandra Twymon's teachers think about her?

5. What idea does Chapter 15 say Alice McGoff did not like?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Rachel institute?

2. What did Lisa McGoff decide and what changed her mind?

3. What statement did the Cardinal make that caused an uproar?

4. What was published on the front page of the newspaper on October 9, 1975?

5. Who received the Democratic Presidential nomination, according to Chapter 28?

6. What happened with the trip to Boston, in Chapter 17?

7. What did Colin begin to wonder?

8. What was the invisible line, as discussed in Chapter 25?

9. What was going on with Cassandra Twymon at school, in Chapter 27?

10. What did Cassandra and other students do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lukas focuses on the politics of the time, particularly in regards to the Kennedy family, who were extremely influential in Boston. Students should examine the influence that the Kennedy family had on Boston at the time and discuss the significance of Lukas's decision to include this in Common Ground. Use the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

The Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Boston had an influence on the local community, but even the Cardinal feared for his safety. Students should discuss Cardinal Cushing's involvement in the Kiernan Commission, as well as focus on his replacement, discussing the similarities and differences between the two Cardinals. Use the text and secondary sources to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

The book Common Ground focuses on the common threads of American families living in the area of Boston during the time following the Martin Luther King, Jr. assassination. Examine the title of the book and discuss its purpose, relevance, and significance. Use the text to support your discussion.

(see the answer keys)

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