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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 Spenser head back to the Bartlett home?

2. What is the Labrador's name?

3. Why does Roger not agree to getting Kevin psychiatric counseling?

4. Is there any way for the police to track the driver of the vehicle?

5. At dinner, of what does Susan assure Spenser?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the Bartletts respond to the knowledge of the hearse and coffin?

2. What is learned about Vic? What happens when Vic and Spenser meet?

3. How does Spenser begin his day?

4. What is known about Kevin at this point?

5. How does Trask react to Spenser's arrival? Why?

6. What is done regarding a stakeout?

7. What does Spenser tell the Bartletts he will do?

8. What does Spenser do for the next two days?

9. What does Spenser note about the Bartlett home?

10. What does Spenser notice about the inside of the home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Bartletts' home is much like the other suburban homes.

Part 1) Describe their home. What is the purpose for this description?

Part 2) What does this say about the exterior view compared to what is taking place beneath the surface?

Part 3) What might this mean for other suburban, well-to-do families?

Part 4) How might this reflect real life?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the story, clues are gathered regarding Kevin's apparent kidnapping.

Part 1) How does Spenser gather clues? Is it all by skill or is luck involved? Explain.

Part 2) How do the beliefs about this kidnapping change as clues are gathered?

Part 3) What clues and events foreshadow the truth about Kevin's disappearance?

Essay Topic 3

A ransom note is sent, and a stakeout is planned and implemented.

Part 1) Describe the note. What is odd about it, according to Spenser and Healy?

Part 2) What does this mean about those who wrote the note?

Part 3) How does this note affect the response of the police and Spenser?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 907 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample