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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. In Chapter VIII, "Some Jerk," Mr. Jackson compares the stage crew to which Charlotte's Web character?

2. In Chapter X, "Transformations," what does Kelly do as Melissa speaks her first lines as Charlotte?

3. In Chapter X, "Transformations," what does Melissa's mother do before Melissa goes backstage?

4. In Chapter VII, "Time Drags When You're Miserable," what function does the repetition of the word "dragged" serve in the first paragraph?

5. In Chapter VIII, "Some Jerk," who takes Jeff and Melissa to the restroom to wash up?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. In Chapter X, "Transformations," how do her classmates react to Melissa's performance?

3. 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?

4. In the beginning of Chapter VII, "Some Jerk," what does Kelly tell Melissa about Melissa being transgender?

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

6. In Chapter XI, "Invitations," what change do readers see in the relationship between Jeff and Rick?

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

8. 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?

9. In Chapter XII, "Melissa Goes to the Zoo," what is thematically important about the trip to the bathroom at the zoo?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What do you think about the way Ms. Udell reacts to the bullying in her class and to Melissa's desire to play Charlotte? Does she make the right decisions some of the time, all of the time, none of the time? If you were the teacher, how would you respond to the bullying and to the idea of Melissa playing Charlotte?

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 III, "Acting is Just Pretend," pages 29-30, there is a description of Kelly's father "cleaning." Read this passage carefully and then write a brief essay that answers the following questions: How does the narrator's tone differ from Kelly's and her father's? What is the significance of these two different tones?

(see the answer keys)

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