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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 does Debbie do with her necklace?

2. To what radio show are Phil and Lenny listening?

3. Where are Debbie and Patty hiding?

4. In whom is Meadow interested?

5. What do Debbie and Patty promise their mothers when buying jeans?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Lenny's childhood not indicative of the path he appears to be taking?

2. What kind of book is Debbie reading, and what does she think about the book and its relevance to her life?

3. How do Debbie and Patty get their pants to look the way they want?

4. Why are Debbie and Patty hiding in the bushes?

5. What does Patty say about their question and what does Debbie think about it?

6. What happens as Debbie is saying the final words of her wish?

7. How does Debbie experience a response to physical contact with Hector?

8. How does Rowanne use Hector being with her with her friends?

9. Where does Hector live in relation to Debbie, who is his sister and how does he feel about her?

10. What does Debbie see in her sister's magazine, and what does she think about when she sees it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Over the course of "Criss Cross", Debbie grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. "Criss Cross" might be considered a slice of Debbie's larger story of her "coming of age." It might be said that the book is a "bildungsroman" of Debbie. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Debbie as she changes from a more carefree, innocent girl to a wiser, older teen. What are the significant events that change Debbie?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Debbie's growth throughout the book, do you think "Criss Cross" could be considered Debbie's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "Criss Cross" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 2

Lenny, who probably has one of the most inquisitive minds and who has obviously absorbed much from voracious reading, will not pursue college. He is tracked toward a technical career, because he happens to be skilled using his hands. The others, less agile, have been tracked toward college. Specific interests, such as Hector's unfolding musical talent will perhaps point him in a path far different from his friends. Debbie and Patty demonstrate great insights, as they discuss the impact of one's environment on what he or she ultimately becomes and the growth or decline that may accompany adversity.

1. Do you think Lenny's treatment by the school is a good use of his mind? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. Is it realistic for a teenager to believe a special talent such as musical or athletic will enable him or her to earn a living as an adult given the few numbers of musicians who make it big or number of athletes who make it to the pros? Explain your reasoning. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss your opinion on Debbie's conclusion that environment will greatly shape her life. Do you believe this is true for her? Do you believe this is true for all people? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

1. What is foreshadowing? How many incidences of foreshadowing are in "Criss Cross"? How does foreshadowing contribute to a book's suspense?

2. Discuss an example of foreshadow in Criss Cross including why you believe it is foreshadow. Include examples from the book and your own life to illustrate your answer.

3. How do you think most people react to uncertainty in their lives? Use examples from "Criss Cross" and your own live to support your opinion.

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