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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. Why is Ben sent to the library for the rest of his class with Mr. Lambeer?

2. Why isn't Ben's list serious?

3. What does Lambeer tell Ben could happen if he fails Lambeer's class?

4. Why does the coach bring Thanksgiving dinner to Ben's house?

5. Who are two people Ben decides to definitely tell?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ben do about his therapist's assignment?

2. What other school official becomes involved in the debate about Ben's project, what does this official do and what does Ben tell him?

3. What does Ben's family do for Thanksgiving?

4. What does Ben tell Lambeer when the teacher asks him if he is going to change his project?

5. How does Ben tell Dallas his secret, and what is her reaction?

6. What does Lambeer tell Ben about Ben's project and what is Ben's response?

7. What has changed in November for Ben with football, how is the team doing and what does Coach think about Cody? How does he feel about Ben and the team?

8. How does Ben feel about his secret on Christmas Eve, what does Hey-Soos tell him and what does Ben decide to do?

9. What does Rudy tell Ben is the reason he is an alcoholic?

10. What does Ben do for Rudy the next time he sees Rudy after hearing the man's confession, what does Rudy say to Ben about his confession and what is Ben's response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ben is learning how to cope with this new situation, trying to define the proper time to let the truth out, and he is trying to understand those around him. In this chapter, he seems to have found himself. With confidence, he turns away the new therapist and stands up to his teacher. He does it respectfully and with a solid plan. Ben shows that he is listening to Hey-Soos and is willing to look at people from a different perspective.

1. Do you think Ben would have acquired his confidence if he had not been dying? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. What do you think Ben has learned about the people around him by listening to them and talking about them to Hey-Soos? How has his situation enabled him to look at people differently? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Ben is trying to figure out when and how to tell people about his illness. Dallas reacts in anger. Why do you think Dallas gets angry at him and do you think she should forgive him automatically because he is dying? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

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

2. Analyze and discuss Deadline based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if "Deadline" 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 "Deadline" a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Deadline". Questions that Crutcher 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 Crutcher's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Crutcher's 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 Crutcher and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

(see the answer keys)

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