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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. Why do Betsy and Nadine start fighting over their mother's death?

2. What does Julia encourage Ellen to do?

3. Who does Ellen spy on during her free time?

4. What truth does Ellen's grandmother constantly remind Ellen of?

5. What does Ellen's grandmother vow to Ellen?

Short Essay Questions

1. Using details from the text, describe how Ellen spends her time at Nadine's house.

2. In what ways does Ellen's grandmother display paranoia?

3. Why is Ellen worried about her grandmother dying?

4. In Chapter 11, Ellen tells the reader that her grandmother passed away. Ellen feels that in her death her grandmother left "the score two to one". What score is Ellen referring to and why does Ellen make this statement?

5. In Chapter 9, Ellen's father shows up at her school; using details from the text describe the scene that followed.

6. Ellen found several questionable items in her cousin's bedroom. Why doesn't Ellen tell her aunt about these items?

7. Using details from the text, describe Ellen and her grandmother's relationship.

8. Ellen had to go to court to decide whose custody Ellen should be in. Describe what happened in court.

9. How do Nadine and Betsy react to their mother's death?

10. What are some of the family secrets that Ellen uncovers/discovers while Ellen is living with her grandmother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are some of the symbolic elements the author uses in the story? Use class discussion and the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Using the discussions from class and details from the text list some of the ways Ellen had to fend for herself.

Essay Topic 3

Using details from the text and in-class research, describe how Ellen was mature, or immature, for her age.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 681 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample