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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 is in the jar by Miss Annie's sofa?

2. What is hanging over Maxine's windows?

3. Who tells Vernon that Maxine is drunk?

4. How does Steph suggest Vernon might raise money to help Ronald go to Special Olympics?

5. Where does Miss Annie say her children live?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the things Miss Annie does to help Vernon prepare for the street carnival?

2. What does the guidance counselor suggest Vernon do in an effort to get their grades up?

3. What does Maxine say about being smart?

4. Why does Miss Marlow say she's visiting?

5. What does Miss Annie say is the main difference between Maxine and people such as Vernon and Miss Annie?

6. Why is Vernon feeling so angry as chapter 15 comes to a close?

7. What does Vernon say about his father's efforts to take over the role of his mother?

8. What causes an argument between Ben and Vernon almost as soon as Vernon arrives home from cleaning Maxine's yard?

9. Why does Vernon begin performing the magic trick for Ronald?

10. What does Miss Annie say Vernon should do about his dream and what is his response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Where is Vernon's mother? Why is her absence important to the story? What aspects of the story might have been different if she were present?

Essay Topic 2

Vernon initially tries to hide the fact that he's spending time with Maxine, Ronald and Miss Annie. Why? What are some of the things he does to try to keep his activities secret? Does he succeed? Should he have tried to hide?

Essay Topic 3

Who is Maxine? What is her role in the story? How does she impact Vernon's life? How does Vernon impact hers?

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