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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 happens after curfew?

2. Where does Crispin want to go?

3. Where does Crispin climb?

4. Who has recently died?

5. What do apprentices want, according to the two persons Crispin hears talking?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Crispin spy on Bear and what does he hear?

2. How do the men in the meeting get away from the soldiers, and what happens to Bear?

3. How does Crispin get away from Aycliffe?

4. Where do Crispin and Bear stay, what does Bear tell Crispin to do when he leaves and what does Crispin do?

5. What is Aycliffe going to do when he sees Crispin in the palace and what does Crispin tell Aycliffe?

6. What happens when Bear and Crispin reach the gate at Great Wexley and how does Crispin feel about being inside the city?

7. What does Crispin decide to do after he gets away from Aycliffe?

8. Why does Crispin follow Bear to a meeting, and what does he hear as he listens outside the door?

9. What is Bear's opinion on rebellion and what is John Ball's opinion on it?

10. How does Crispin run into Aycliffe in Great Wexley,and what happens when he does see him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 "Crispin: The Cross of Lead" 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?

Essay Topic 2

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 Avi.

2. What in Avi's background may have helped him in writing "Crispin: The Cross of Lead"? What may have influenced the way he 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 3

Bear is hard and unfriendly, but in some ways is also a little like Crispin. He is traveling, without any real home, and seems to have no friends or family. He does not seem to be loved by anyone or have anyone to love or care for. Like Crispin, he is completely alone. Like Crispin, he also learned quickly that other people will not be kind to him. He deals with this by hardening himself and treating everyone gruffly. He does not trust anyone, and tells Crispin so. This is why he is so rude to Crispin.

1. Why do you think Bear's life may have contributed to making him hard and unfriendly? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. What do you think are some of the emotional effects of being and feeling alone in the world for a human? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. What are some of the reasons a person may have learned not to trust others? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

4. How do you think a lack of trust in others can affect a person's life? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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