View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Cece trying to ask Ginny when Mrs. Sinklemann thinks Cece is trying to cheat on the test?

2. Whom does Cece's mother call when Cece shows her the broken microphone?

3. What does Cece NOT list as one of Martha's positive qualities?

4. When the Miller family moves into the neighborhood, how many kids live in the house?

5. What adjective does Cece use to describe the summer she and Martha spend together?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the theme of tenacity demonstrated in the outcome of Cece's flexed-arm hang test?

2. What unexpected benefit does Cece receive when trying out her new glasses for the first time?

3. How does Cece feel about the letter she receives in August that tells her who her fifth grade teacher will be?

4. For what reason does Cece begin to laugh helplessly while onstage in front of the whole school?

5. How do Cece and Martha become friends?

6. What methods does Cece use in order to renew her friendship with Martha?

7. How does Bell characterize El Deafo's reaction to Cece's decision to talk to Mike about her Phonic Ear?

8. How does Bell employ suspense within the scenes when Cece is preparing to take her new curly pencil with her to school the next day?

9. How is the theme of trust exemplified within the Wonderful World of Books presentation scene?

10. What happens to break Cece's microphone for her Phonic Ear?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

William Faulkner once famously claimed that the most important literature deals with the subject of the human heart in conflict with itself. Explain how the theme of Human versus Self is demonstrated within Cece Bell's graphic novel memoir El Deafo. Create a decisive, arguable claim and prove it with quotes from the book.

Essay Topic 2

What is the function of Ginny’s character within the novel? Discuss the characterization methods used by the author in depicting Ginny and include in your discussion the reasons that the author portrays this character in these particular ways.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,171 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample