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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 does Joaquin hate iced tea?

2. What does Joaquin regret telling Maya and Grace once he gets home from meeting up with them?

3. When Mark and Linda ask Joaquin for the second time about his possible adoption, what is his reply?

4. What announcement does Maya make at the dinner table with her dad and Lauren that makes Lauren choke on her food?

5. What is NOT among the list of things Maya has thought of saying to Claire the first time they speak after the break-up?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What do the Oreos symbolize in the scene between Lauren and Maya?

3. What turns out to be the mysterious event involving Joaquin and the Buchanans?

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

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

6. What is Rafe's family situation?

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

8. What word does Maya's dad use in reference to Maya's birth mother that infuriates Maya?

9. 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?

10. How does Lauren view Maya's treatment of Claire in relation to her own relationship with Maya?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Trace the characterization arc of Grace’s character throughout the novel. Discuss whether she is a round or flat character and whether she is a static or dynamic character.

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