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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. How did Harry's parents die?

2. What happens exactly at midnight in Chapter 3?

3. How is the letter addressed that arrives for Harry at the Dursley's home?

4. Who yells at Harry when Draco and Harry are at each other in Chapter 9?

5. Who do Ron and Harry visit during the first week of class that raises Harry's mood?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Harry figure out in Chapter 11 about Professor Snape's limp?

2. What does Hagrid tell Harry in Chapter 4 that stuns Harry?

3. Harry receives a package during lunch a week after his first broom ride; what is inside?

4. What happens when Mr. Dursley breaks under the stress of all the letters piling up?

5. What begins happening at the Dursley's home in Chapter 1, and how does Mr. Dursley handle it?

6. What does Malfoy do after Harry demands Malfoy hand over the "Remember all"?

7. About what are Ron, Hermione, and Harry convinced concerning Snape in Chapter 11?

8. Why is Malfoy angry at Harry in Chapter 9, and what does Malfoy do about it?

9. What happens one night after the Dursleys have been in bed for quite some time?

10. What is the seeker's role in a Quidditch match?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define plot and include the definitions of the most important elements of a plot. Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not? Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot? Give a brief synopsis of any important sub-plots.

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character.

Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not? Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Do you think Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone would qualify as a novel with a happy ending? Why or why not? Why might Rowling have ended the novel the way she did?

(see the answer keys)

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