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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 doesn't Ron and Harry have Potions textbooks when they start the year?

2. What spell is cast on Harry just as he is about to depart the train in Chapter seven?

3. When does Harry update Ron and Hermione on what he finds out about the young Voldemort in the orphanage?

4. How are students introduced at Professor Slughorn's lunch on the train to Hogwarts?

5. What fancy party does Hermione and Harry get invited to?

Short Essay Questions

1. What information does the school/Hogwarts students have about what happens to Katie Bell?

2. What does Harry find particularly disappointing about the grade he receives on his Potions O.W.L.?

3. Why is Harry not ready to go when Dumbledore arrives to pick him up from the Dursleys'?

4. What surprising news does a letter bring Harry when he is at the Burrow, preparing to leave for Hogwarts?

5. What reason is behind Ron's spontaneous kissing of Lavender Brown after the Gryffindors win their Quidditch match against Slytherin?

6. What do Scrimgeour and Fudge say when the Prime Minister asks them why they can't just fix everything with magic?

7. Why do Harry, Ron, and Hermione worry about Dumbledore's extended absences from Hogwarts?

8. Why does no one see Harry as they are leaving the train once it arrives at Hogwarts?

9. Why does Harry only pretend to spike Ron's pumpkin juice with Felix Felicis?

10. What is the real reason why Dumbledore spends so long in the bathroom at Slughorn's house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While Rowling and her Harry Potter novels are famous, they are by no means without their critics. Choose three literary weaknesses you see in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, mention the reasons why you consider these weaknesses in the novel, and list at least two things Rowling does differently to strengthen her writing.

Essay Topic 2

Complete a character analysis of Merope. What kind of girl is she? What kind of woman does she grow up to be? What is her legacy? As part of your analysis, choose at least two major life choices she makes and describe 1) their long-term effects on her life, 2) what those choices tell the reader about her character, and 3) their long-term effects on at least one other character in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is often classified in the science fiction/fantasy genre. Discuss at least five features of novels in this genre and what aspects of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince meet these required features.

(see the answer keys)

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