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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. What does a woman deemed suitable for procreation need to do when she wants to have a baby?

2. What might some wealthy women do if they do not pass the genetic screening to be allowed to procreate?

3. What did Hadley's parents do when she failed her genetic screening?

4. Where does Hadley move after failing her genetic screening?

5. What is one of the factors that may eliminate a woman from being able to procreate?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Hadley tells her family she failed her genetic screening?

2. Why is Sidra hired for the caretaker position at the Omaha Public Library?

3. Describe the area where the library babies stay until they are checked out.

4. What is Hadley's life in Omaha like after she moves following her failed genetic screening?

5. Where are library babies sent when they turn three?

6. What is the baby lending process at the Omaha Public Library?

7. What do some wealthy women do if they fail genetic screening?

8. What happens in "Graceful Burdens" to women when they reach the age of 16?

9. What happens in "Graceful Burdens" once a woman is deemed suitable for procreation?

10. Describe the card catalog in the library at the start of "Graceful Burdens."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay exploring the themes of freedom and control in "Graceful Burdens." What images, objects, actions, or symbols represent these themes? Use strong textual evidence to support your exploration.

Essay Topic 2

Write an analysis of Seraphina's character in "Graceful Burdens." Who is she? What is her life like and how does she feel about her role? How does her character support the story's themes?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay describing the imagery used in "Graceful Burdens." Indicate examples of imagery in the text and identify possible meanings.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 664 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample