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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. How does Codell respond to Billy Williams when the boy claims that he hates her?

2. Why does Mr. Turner object to the winner of the Addy doll during the November 5th assembly?

3. Why do school administrators reject Codell's proposal for the Fairy Tale Festival?

4. What name does Codell choose for her students to call her?

5. How many new teachers are introduced prior to the school's opening in Part I?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the learning environment different at Codell's new school, versus the students described in the journal?

2. What February 15 incident nearly results in Codell quitting the school?

3. How does Ms. Federman convince Codell to remain a teacher at the school on February 15?

4. Why do the students stab the substitute teacher in the back with a pencil on February 1?

5. What reasons does Trelease give in the Afterword for his contention that Educating Esme is "terribly relevant"?

6. Describe the Storyteller Festival.

7. What changes does Ms. Coil suggest in a January 18 entry, and what does Codell think of these suggestions?

8. Describe the last day of school.

9. What is The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes about, as described in a September 27 entry?

10. What award does Codell win early in Part III, and why is it important to her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Codell's insistence on being called "Madame Esme" is a constant sore spot for her principal Mr. Turner. What reasons does Codell provide for being stubborn on this point? How does this matter relate in a broader sense to Codell's personality and attitude as revealed in her writing?

Essay Topic 2

Codell frequently demonstrates creativity and ingenuity in dealing with problematic children. Describe how Codell deals with the following students and situations:

1)Billy Williams and his constant bad attitude

2)Melanie and her desire to steal

3)B. B. and his frequent behavior issues

Essay Topic 3

At a meeting early in the year, a teacher named Lillia mispronounces "conspicuous" and is corrected by Ms. Coil to the embarrassment and anger of Codell.

1)What does this incident reveal about Ms. Coil's character? About Codell's character?

2)What might this incident reveal about a larger problem with the educational bureaucracy?

(see the answer keys)

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