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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. In the story about a dog that Leigh describes in his second letter to Mr. Henshaw on December 3, he says that Joe’s dad told him he had to think of how many ways to entertain a dog?

2. What is the ninth question from Mr. Henshaw that Leigh answers in his letter from December 1?

3. What does Leigh say his teacher has said there should be when a different person speaks in his December 12 letter?

4. Who does Leigh say is his favorite character in Mr. Henshaw’s book that he’s read in his third letter, dated November 13?

5. In his second diary entry, dated December 23, Leigh writes that he asked his mom if his dad might come to visit for Christmas. What was her response?

Short Essay Questions

1. What question does Leigh respond to in his November 24 letter? How does he respond?

2. On December 1, Leigh answers the final questions sent by Mr. Henshaw. How does he respond to “What bothers you?”

3. Where does Leigh say his father phoned him from in his January 8 diary entry?

4. What does Leigh say about Mr. Henshaw’s questions in his letter from November 16?

5. Which of Mr. Henshaw’s questions does Leigh respond to on November 20? What are his responses?

6. What is related of Mr. Henshaw’s advice to Leigh in Leigh’s letter from December 21?

7. Why does Leigh apologize in his December 4 letter to Mr. Henshaw? What excuse does Leigh give in his apology?

8. Why does Leigh write to Mr. Henshaw on September 20? How old is Leigh in this letter?

9. What books are discussed in Leigh’s letters to Mr. Henshaw on October 2 and November 2 in the beginning of the book?

10. What ploy does Leigh develop to thwart the lunch bag robber after the Christmas holidays? Is he successful?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define “epistolary” and discuss the characteristics of this style of literature. What documents can be used to make up an epistolary work of fiction? How does this literary style develop greater realism to a story? How is the narrative point of view determined in an epistolary novel?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the settings of Bakersfield and Pacific Grove, California. How big are these towns? How does Leigh describe them in his letters? What is the weather like in Bakersfield and Pacific Grove? How do these settings differ?

Essay Topic 3

Define “protagonist” in literature and develop a list of the common qualities seen in protagonists. How do these qualities apply to Leigh Botts in Dear Mr. Henshaw? Why does Leigh choose to write to Mr. Henshaw? What information does Leigh relate of his personal life in these first letters?

(see the answer keys)

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