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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 Lenny, Hector, Phil, Debbie and Patty do daily?

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

3. What are Debbie and Patty doing?

4. What influence on one's life does Debbie discuss?

5. What does Debbie think would help in choosing a mate?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. What does Debbie learn from Lenny and how did that come about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Criss Cross" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Criss Cross"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Criss Cross" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "Criss Cross", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "Criss Cross". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot.) Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast two main characters of "Criss Cross". How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Debbie and another female character. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in "Criss Cross" help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

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