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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Johnny say that finally causes Sal Whitworth to lose his composure?
(a) Johnny makes a comment about Sal's mother.
(b) Johnny makes a comment about Sal's big nose.
(c) Johnny makes a comment about Sal's struggle with dyslexia.
(d) Johnny makes a comment about Sal's sister.

2. What keeps Willie from acting like a cocky kid?
(a) Willie's mother has taught him to be gracious and grateful.
(b) Wilie's father would not allow it.
(c) Willie does not realize how good he is.
(d) Willie's teammates are just as talented as he is.

3. What does Willie give to Jenny as a sign of their newly romantic relationship?
(a) His class ring.
(b) His gold chain.
(c) His letterman's jacket.
(d) His American Legion Championship ring.

4. Why does Willie agree to try racquetball even though he feels like he might be setting himself up for another failure?
(a) Willie hopes that he and Jenny might be able to play racquetball together sometime.
(b) He knows that Big Will has made up his mind, and Willie is happy that his father seems to be interested in him again.
(c) Willie hopes that success in racquetball might open up other sports to him.
(d) Willie is tired of hiding out at home and feels ready to try something new.

5. Why is Willie wearing a sweatshirt with the word LURCH printed on the front?
(a) It is Willie's way of attacking his problem with humor, as Cyril suggested.
(b) It was a gift from his baseball friends.
(c) It is another example of Willie's self-pity at work.
(d) He is a fan of "The Addams Family."

6. Where does Willie take Jenny when he wants to try to change their relationship?
(a) To the baseball field.
(b) To his fishing hole.
(c) To a bluff overlooking the river.
(d) To the bleachers at the football field.

7. How does Sal Whitworth try to distract Willie while he is pitching?
(a) Sal points his bat at Willie and promises to hit him with a line drive.
(b) Sal blows huge bubbles and pops his gum loudly.
(c) Sal yells threats to Willie about how far the next pitch will fly.
(d) Sal steps out of the batter's box when Willie is ready to throw a pitch.

8. Where has Jenny Blackburn been for the two weeks before school begins?
(a) She and her family were at the beach.
(b) She was at home, but did not feel like talking to anyone.
(c) She and her family were on vacation, visiting her aunt.
(d) She was at camp, working as a counselor.

9. When was Willie's first motorcycle ride with his father?
(a) Just after the death of Willie's sister.
(b) After Willie's first baseball game.
(c) This is his first ride with his father.
(d) When Willie was just a baby.

10. What does Willie take with him when he leaves school?
(a) His tape recorder.
(b) His books.
(c) A towel from the locker room.
(d) His cane.

11. What question does Willie ask his father when they are practicing in the back yard?
(a) Willie wants to know if his father will be proud of him even if they lose the game.
(b) Willie wants to know if he can drive the motorcycle sometime soon.
(c) Willie wants to know if his sister was a planned baby or an accident.
(d) Willie wants to know how to get past Sal Whitworth.

12. Why does Big Will throw his racket and break it?
(a) He is angry with himself for pushing Willie too hard.
(b) He hits a bad shot and is frustrated with himself.
(c) He is frustrated because he feels like Willie is not putting forth any effort.
(d) He overhears someone make a negative comment about Willie.

13. Why does Mr. Weaver want Willie to pay attention to every detail leading up to the game?
(a) He wants Willie to have a strong memory to rely on, like his own memory of the Rose Bowl game.
(b) He has a feeling that something is going to go wrong.
(c) He is worried that the Crazy Horse Electric team will be difficult to beat.
(d) He is worried that Willie is not really focused on the game.

14. Why does Willie feel safe on the motorcycle with his father?
(a) Willie knows that his father is a cautious driver.
(b) Willie's father has never had an accident before.
(c) Willie believes that his father is immortal.
(d) Willie and his father are wearing helmets.

15. Why is Willie on his way to see Coach Williams when he runs into Jenny and Jeff Rhodes?
(a) He wants to see if he can get some private basketball lessons.
(b) He left his jacket on the bench after the last game.
(c) Coach Williams has asked to see him.
(d) He has decided to quit being the manager for the girls' basketball team.

Short Answer Questions

1. Willie's bus ticket will take him to which city?

2. How does Willie feel about his job as manager for the girls' basketball team?

3. What does Cyril ask Willie to do if he has any suicidal thoughts?

4. Why does Willie have trouble asking Jenny to be his girlfriend?

5. How old is Willie Weaver at the beginning of the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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