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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. During the piano recital, when does Jazz play?

2. Jazz jokes back with Antonia about her foster parents and asks if they make her eat a certain food. What is that food?

3. What do Antonia and Jazz plan to do to teach Mrs. Bartoli a lesson?

4. Jazz and her friends play a game where they make fun of "them." Who does "them" refer to?

5. What is Antonia's favorite soft drink?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Jazz skip the competition and quit the piano?

2. What is Gregoire's effect on Jazz?

3. Why has Karen chosen to go into social work, and what is it about her that gives Antonia hope?

4. Why does Jazz think Antonia might not want to be seen with her?

5. Several times throughout the book, the term "ya-ya" is used with reference to Antonia. What is the significance of this term?

6. How does Antonia and her family get money to live on?

7. Who is Ram and why is he important to the story?

8. Describe the Abeytas and their importance to the story.

9. Explain Dr. DiLeo's pairing up of Antonia and Jazz. Who was counseling who and what was the ultimate result?

10. What do Antonia and Jazz decide to do to give Mrs. Bartoli a lesson on stereotyping?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the major themes is the book is the mother-daughter relationship. Compare Antonia's relationship with her mother to Jazz's relationship with her mother. How are the relationships similar and how are they different?

Essay Topic 2

Define Normal was a finalist for the National Book Award. Describe this award, and then give specific examples of ways that this book fits into the criteria of a National Book Award nominee. At the end of your definition and description, include a statement as to whether or not you think the book is worthy of this award.

Essay Topic 3

The story is told from Antonia's point of view. Discuss the reasons the author chooses to use Antonia as the main narrator instead of a different character. In your explanation, be sure to include the definition of point-of-view, and what type of point-of-view the author is using.

(see the answer keys)

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