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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. When Cece first imagines her superhero alter ego, what other superhero is also depicted within her imagination?

2. How old is Cece when she becomes ill and has to be rushed to the hospital?

3. To what movie does Laura allude when persuading Cece that the two girls should dress alike every day at school?

4. What adjective does Cece use to describe the pouch that the audiologist gives her just before she leaves the audiology office?

5. What song is Cece singing within the panel at the beginning of the book depicting her love of Beatles songs?

Short Essay Questions

1. During the audiology appointment that Cece attends, what is the first sign to the doctor that there may be a problem with her hearing?

2. With what illness is Cece diagnosed and what does the doctor say about it?

3. How does Cece use soap operas and cartoons to depict for the reader her experiences watching television?

4. What are the reader's earliest clues that Cece's friendship with Laura may not be a good match?

5. What sleepover party activities does Cece describe as being really fun?

6. Cece Bell begins the narrative by stating, "I was a regular little kid" (1). What examples does she provide for her conclusion?

7. When Cece says that she makes "many discoveries about lip-reading" (31), what are three of the seven discoveries she lists?

8. Though Cece only briefly attends a school for children with hearing impairments, she learns a lot. How does the author use illustrations to augment the reader's understanding of the lessons Cece learns?

9. Discuss the irony present in the scene when Cece declares, "Just call me El Deafo!" (68).

10. Discuss the symbolism of the on/off switch on Cece's hearing aid.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explicate the theme of family bonds within Cece Bell's graphic novel memoir El Deafo. What is the author's message regarding family bonds and how do you know?

Essay Topic 2

What is the author's message regarding courage in Cece Bell's graphic novel memoir El Deafo and what themes does the author employ in order to send these messages to the reader?

Essay Topic 3

Write a critical essay about Cece Bell's graphic novel memoir El Deafo while using the critical power theory lens of feminist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novel's treatment of gender roles, female empowerment, misogyny's role within society, or any other issues related to feminist theory that can be found in the book.

(see the answer keys)

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