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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 one thing Debbie and Patty wonder?

2. Towards what is Lenny's school career being steered?

3. About what does Hector compromise with his parents?

4. What tool is Debbie trying to master in Chapter Eight?

5. What does Hector wonder about his music teacher?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Who is taking lessons with Hector at the church?

6. Where is Debbie invited in Chapter Four and what does she do there and with whom does she do it?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

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.

(see the answer keys)

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