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. In Chapter IX, "Dinner at Arnie's," what is implied by Melissa's mother's comments about being "that kind of gay" (128)?

2. In Chapter X, "Transformations," what is Melissa's mother's reaction to Melissa's performance?

3. In Chapter XII, "Melissa Goes to the Zoo," when does the narrator start referring to Melissa as "Melissa" instead of "George"?

4. In Chapter X, "Transformations," Melissa's mother is described as walking "brusquely" (161). How was she walking?

5. In Chapter IX, "Dinner at Arnie's," why does Scott think that their mother must be upset?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter IX, "Dinner at Arnie's," why is Scott surprised by his mother's behavior?

2. In the beginning of Chapter IX, "Dinner at Arnie's," Melissa again combs her hair forward. Explain when she does this and why.

3. In Chapter XI, "Invitations," Kelly invites Melissa to go to the zoo. What causes Melissa to hesitate at first, and what then causes her to enthusiastically accept the invitation?

4. In the beginning of Chapter IX, "Dinner at Arnie's," what two objections does Melissa's mother offer to the idea that Melissa is a girl?

5. In Chapter VII, "Some Jerk," Melissa and Kelly have an exchange about transgender rights. Explain what each girl says about this topic.

6. In Chapter XII, "Melissa Goes to the Zoo," what is the meaning of the scene where Melissa looks in the mirror?

7. Melissa's mom seems to think that identifying as a girl might be a "phase" that Melissa will grow out of. What are some clues that the book gives us that make this seem unlikely?

8. In Chapter X, "Transformations," how does Melissa's mother react to her performance?

9. 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?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the symbol of the front door. Twice in the text (in Chapter I, "Secrets," and in Chapter VI, "Taken,") readers see Melissa struggle with the door. Read these scenes carefully and think about what they have in common both in their details and in the scenes they precede. Also consider what is different between the two scenes. Write an analysis of the front door as a symbol, using textual support for your claims.

Essay Topic 2

Describe Kelly's father and his relationship with Kelly. As you write, think about the following questions: What kind of a person does he seem to be, and what kind of a father does he seem to be? What about his relationship with Kelly seems positive for Kelly? Is there anything in their relationship that you question, or think might not be in Kelly's best interest? On balance, do you think he is a good father?

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter VIII, "Some Jerk," there is a dramatic scene where Jeff and Rick use direct violence at Melissa. What function does the scene serve in the novel, and what larger social issue is being portrayed here in a brief, less graphic way?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,162 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample