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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. Bonham shows that an unsafe environment can lead teens into gang violence as they group together for what purpose?

2. Rufus decides his new tire job will not work the first day, so what does he do?

3. Rufus' winning his fight against Bantu without inflicting the severe damage a knife brings with it symbolizes what?

4. Sergeant Starkey is doubtful Alex Robbins will be successful in his assignment as the police have been unable to achieve that for how long?

5. When Alex Robbins incorrectly relates some of Ernie Brown's stats, Rufus corrects him and then is embarrassed for what reason?

Short Essay Questions

1. What Is Rufus Henry's recollection of his mother first telling him about her marriage to Ernie Brown?

2. What are some of the things Alex Robbins from the Group Service Council learns upon studying the Moors' police file on the morning following the call he receives from Ed Travers?

3. How does the knife fight between Bantu Motley and Rufus Henry proceed?

4. En route to the store, what quickly happens when Rufus Henry and his sister encounter a carload of gang members?

5. While still at the crafts center, what is Rufus Henry's response when Alex Robbins suggests the Moors elect a president for their social club?

6. What does Rufus Henry do when Alex Robbins finds the Moors boys for the first time?

7. Once safe at home following his confrontation with the Gassers in the alley, what is his mother's response when Rufus Henry asks her about her first marriage?

8. How is it that Rufus Henry displays his practical side when initially encountering the Gassers gang?

9. Later on the evening that Rufus Henry accepts membership into the Moors gang, why is it that Ed Travers makes a call on Rufus' behalf?

10. At the beginning of the novel, during his weekly meeting with Rufus Henry, how does social worker Mr. Rubio attempt to let Rufus know he is aware of his Ernie Brown scrapbook?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are the positives and the negatives of how Rufus Henry deals with Willie reportedly joining the Gassers gang? Is it wise to lead his gang members to find Willie to beat him out of the Moors? Is it noble on Rufus' part to stop the attack because he believed him, or simply useful because it was a convenient way to obtain a rifle? Is it wise on Rufus' part to seek out a firearm?

Essay Topic 2

In Chapters 4-6, Frank Bonham focuses on characterization of Rufus Henry. What sort of definable character does Bonham craft Rufus into? How is he displayed to be a dreamer? How is he shown to have a strong practical side? How do Rufus' age and the environment he has come from come into play?

Essay Topic 3

Rufus Henry recognizes that he wants to attend college, but to do so requires him to obtain a scholarship. What sports scholarship does Rufus seek? What steps is Rufus following toward achieving that goal? What dietary procedures is he pursuing? What sort of employment does Rufus feel he must obtain in order to develop his muscles?

(see the answer keys)

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