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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. Who teaches Hector's music class?

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

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

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What experience does Debbie get with mechanical work?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Criss Cross" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Criss Cross" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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