View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Debbie find difficult?

2. What does Lenny still like to share with anyone who will listen?

3. Where does Hector live in relation to Debbie?

4. What does Hector notice about Debbie?

5. What belongs to Debbie's older sister that Debbie has?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "Criss Cross" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1, and then judge if "Criss Cross" is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "Criss Cross" a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 2

"Criss Cross" belongs to the young adult novel genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the young adult novel genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a young adult novel and a historical novel mystery?

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "Criss Cross" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 946 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample