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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. What does Matt do with the shed where Laurie was killed?

2. In the present, where does Katie go with Daniel?

3. Who counseled Luke and Matt about their violent behavior at home?

4. While in school, Katie studies ___________________.

5. Why does the student think she should make the decision in #149?

Short Essay Questions

1. What rumor once circulated about Luke and who does Katie think is responsible for it?

2. What gift does Katie decide to buy for Simon's birthday?

3. What does a strong thought of Matt drive Katie to do while in the classroom one day?

4. To what does Katie attribute her choice of studies in college?

5. What is the primary source of conflict between Luke and Matt while growing up?

6. How do Marie and Daniel get Katie to see Matt's life in a different light?

7. What does the author reveal about why Katie feels guilty about her career?

8. Describe the atmosphere at Matt's house when Katie and Daniel arrive.

9. Describe how things have calmed down in the Morrison household.

10. What does Marie reveal about the tragedies in her family, beginning with Laurie's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book? List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

Essay Topic 2

Katie spends some alone time throughout the novel to contemplate her life. What does she think about? What conclusions does she arrive at? Explain why she is in a contemplative mood at this point in time.

Essay Topic 3

The author begins the story in the present day and tells the story through a series of flashbacks. Why did she choose to tell her story this way? In what way is a flashback technique more interesting for a reader? In what ways is it more complicated?

(see the answer keys)

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