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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 slightly changes Debbie's attitude towards Hector one night?

2. About what does Hector compromise with his parents?

3. What does Hector help his father with the following Saturday?

4. What do Debbie and Patty want their jeans to be like?

5. Why is Hector disappointed at music class one day?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Hector's first lesson involve and what disappoints him about that lesson?

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

3. Where does Rowanne take Hector, and what interests him there?

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

5. What experience does Debbie get with mechanical work?

6. What does Debbie think about how one should say a wish?

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

8. What are Debbie and Patty discussing in Chapter Ten and what is their question?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Criss Cross". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Perkins chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Perkins chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Perkins's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Perkins use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

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

Debbie matures and grows throughout the book.

1. What do you think might be some of the reasons Debbie is maturing? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Do you think Debbie's maturity shown in the book is unrealistic in the short amount of time period the book covers? Why or why not?

3. Discuss the ways that Debbie shows changes in her maturity in the book.

(see the answer keys)

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