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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. How is Homer described?

2. With whom is Hector fascinated?

3. What does Debbie do with her necklace?

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

5. How does Rowanne use Hector as an excuse?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Where is Lenny being steered in school, how does he manifest this in his life outside of school and what habit does he pick up?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Criss Cross". Questions that Perkins most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Perkins' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Perkins' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Perkins and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

(see the answer keys)

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