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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 do Debbie and Patty think of the clothes their mothers have bought for them?

2. What is the radio show's format?

3. Who is Patty?

4. How does Hector pay for the lessons?

5. What is one thing Debbie and Patty wonder?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Debbie get sunburned, and who was she with when it happens?

3. What is Hector's main concern this summer?

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

5. What does Hector think about as he is putting up screens with his father, and what makes him think in that direction?

6. Where is Lenny being steered in school, how does he manifest this in his life outside of school and what habit does he pick up?

7. What has Hector began to do and what compromise with his parents is involved?

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

9. What will Debbie, Phil and the others be studying at school?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Criss Cross". Questions that Perkins most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Perkins' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Perkins' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Perkins and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "Criss Cross". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of knowing oneself in "Criss Cross". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of parents and teenagers in "Criss Cross". Consider the silence between Debbie and her mother and Lenny and his father working together.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Criss Cross" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Criss Cross" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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