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 one have to consider when wishing for something?

2. What is the topic of discussion between Debbie and Patty in Chapter Ten?

3. What ability does the peaceful, alien culture have?

4. What are Debbie and Patty doing to their jeans before school?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What does Patty say about their question and what does Debbie think about it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,102 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample