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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. Where does Grandpa live?

2. In "December," what does Grandpa say that Barry Grossman borrowed from him?

3. Who discouraged Manny from potty training last Thanksgiving?

4. What does Rodrick try to use the Mom Bucks Greg gives him for the poem in "November"?

5. What does Greg want Rowley to play in a skit for the Winter Talent Show?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mom buy Magick and Monsters books?

2. Who does Greg ask to help him with his history poem, and what reaction does he get?

3. How does Mom find out about the Mom Bucks Greg found?

4. Where does Greg get some Mom Bucks and how many does he get?

5. Why does Greg not worry about writing his history poem in "November"?

6. What do Rodrick and Greg usually have to play with Grandpa when they stay with him?

7. Why does Dad end Rodrick's punishment for the party two weeks early?

8. Why is Dad angry with Uncle Joe at Thanksgiving?

9. What time do Mom and Dad start getting Rodrick up on weekends after they find out about the party, and how does Rodrick get around being awakened early?

10. Why does Greg usually like to go to Rowley's house when he has a babysitter, and why is he disappointed in November when he goes over?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel takes place mostly at Greg’s home and school. Does the setting serve as a backdrop for characters or take on the role of a character? Is the setting a neutral background, not important to the novel? What is the importance of the setting?

Essay Topic 2

In the novel, some characters are more thoroughly described than others. Who are some characters that are merely named in passing or have a minor role in the novel? What is the importance of these flat characters to the story line? In what way do these characters make the main characters more colorful or interesting? When there is conflict, what type of role do these flat characters play?

Essay Topic 3

Rowley is an only child who is babied by his parents. Why does Rowley have a babysitter when his parents are gone? How does Rowley act after he travels? How is his behavior childish? Who does Rowley enjoy playing with and hanging out with? What type of birthday party does he have? How does Rowley copy Greg? What type of person is Rowley? What does his character reveal about immaturity?

(see the answer keys)

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