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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. Maya reflects on how her mother had looked while entering rehab, saying that she had looked like a what?

2. What is the last name of the foster family housing Joaquin at the time of his violent incident?

3. In what city does Maya's mom enter a rehab facility for her alcoholism?

4. What favor does Grace ask of Rafe during one of their diner meetings?

5. What is NOT one of the activities Joaquin lists among the things he has learned from certain foster siblings and parents over the years?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Joaquin view as ironic about everyone making college plans around him at school?

2. What are the living arrangements in Maya's family after her parent's separation?

3. What are the contents of the text Maya receives from her dad, setting in motion the chain of events that lead to Maya and Claire's break-up?

4. How is the theme of isolation depicted within Joaquin's reaction to his sisters' queries after his altercation with Adam?

5. How does the author employ allusion within Grace's thoughts about Joaquin's lonely childhood existence?

6. What reasons does Joaquin provide when he tells Grace and Maya that he told Mark and Linda he did not want them to adopt him?

7. What lie does Joaquin tell Mark and Linda about his recent visits with Ana, his therapist?

8. How does Maya characterize her relationship with Lauren?

9. What is Rafe's family situation?

10. What is the symbolism of the iced tea Joaquin loathes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's choice to tell the story of Far From the Tree using the third-person omniscient point of view Also discuss the author's choice to switch back and forth among the perspectives of Grace, Maya, and Joaquin. What elements of the novel's themes lend themselves to this choice and what is the author's intended effect on the reader?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the author's focus on the theme of transformation. What message is the author sending about change and about one other theme of your choice?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the many instances of irony within the narrative of Robin Benway's novel Far From the Tree and analyze the author's purpose for including each instance you discuss.

(see the answer keys)

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