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

2. How are the faces described in the pictures Debbie looks at?

3. What do Debbie and Patty both believe will impact their adulthood?

4. What fascinates Hector when he goes with Rowanne?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. What experience does Debbie get with mechanical work?

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

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

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 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)

This section contains 1,050 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample