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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Chapter VIII, "Some Jerk," there is a scene where Melissa gets irritated with Kelly for always trying to pose and direct her when she's taking pictures. How does this scene function in the overall plot?
(a) It foreshadows the much larger fight that the two girls have at the end of the chapter.
(b) It reveals character by showing us a new detail of the friendship between the two girls.
(c) It is symbolic of Melissa's growing conviction that she has the right to truly be herself.
(d) It engages the reader by employing vivid sensory detail.

2. In Chapter X, "Transformations," what is the first thing that Melissa does when she climbs down from the ladder?
(a) Jumps around laughing and giggling with Kelly.
(b) Calls her father.
(c) Cries.
(d) Tries to sneak out of the auditorium.

3. In Chapter XII, "Melissa Goes to the Zoo," what is the first thing that Melissa notices about the pink tank top?
(a) It is too revealing.
(b) The color is very feminine.
(c) It does not match the skirt she wants to wear.
(d) It is very soft.

4. In Chapter X, "Transformations," what does Melissa do when she is pulled out in front of the clapping audience?
(a) Curtsy.
(b) Pull Kelly over to stand at her side.
(c) Blush and begin to cry.
(d) Stare hard at her mother.

5. In Chapter VIII, "Some Jerk," what does Melissa transfer the words "Some Jerk" to?
(a) Kelly's costume.
(b) The backdrop.
(c) Jeff's t-shirt.
(d) Rick's face.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter XII, "Melissa Goes to the Zoo," why does Melissa ride so slowly to Kelly's house?

2. In Chapter VIII, "Some Jerk," why does Ms. Udell want the actors to practice in the auditorium?

3. In Chapter VIII, "Some Jerk," what job does Melissa volunteer for?

4. In Chapter X, "Transformations," the narrator describes Templeton as gathering "sesquipedalian" words (156). What are "sesquipedalian" words?

5. In Chapter XII, "Melissa Goes to the Zoo," what does the air in Kelly's room smell like?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the beginning of Chapter VII, "Time Drags When You're Miserable," what is the purpose of including the details about Jeff and Rick making fun of the kindergartners and Mrs. Fields?

2. In Chapter XI, "Invitations," what is Melissa's reaction to her mother's suggestion that she see a therapist, and why does she have this reaction?

3. In Chapter XI, "Invitations," Melissa's mother tells her that she does not want Melissa to make her own life harder--what does Melissa say to this, and how does her mother respond?

4. In Chapter VII, "Some Jerk," what backstage job does Melissa take on, and why?

5. In Chapter IX, "Dinner at Arnie's," how does Kelly's phone call highlight how unsupportive Melissa's mother has been?

6. In Chapter XI, "Invitations," when Melissa tells Kelly her "girl" name, how does Kelly react?

7. In Chapter XII, "Melissa Goes to the Zoo," what activity from earlier in her childhood does Melissa engage in, and what does this show about her feelings?

8. In the beginning of Chapter IX, "Dinner at Arnie's," how does Scott react to Melissa's explanation of her gender identity?

9. In Chapter XII, "Melissa Goes to the Zoo," what preparations has Kelly made for Melissa's arrival, and what do they show about how Kelly is thinking and feeling?

10. What common saying is Gino alluding to in the title of Chapter VII, "Time Drags When You're Miserable"? What point does this allusion make?

(see the answer keys)

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