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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 news does Hagrid have from the Forbidden Forest that makes him so upset after Quidditch tryouts?

2. What does Professor Slughorn offer as a reward to the student who makes the best potion on the first day of class?

3. What rude name do Narcissa and Bellatrix call Snape's house as they approach it?

4. Why is Hagrid late to the opening feast at Hogwarts?

5. What state is Harry's room in when Dumbledore arrives to pick him up from the Dursleys'?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How are the wizards told to greet each other now that Voldemort is back?

3. What reason does Hermione give for warning Harry to be careful as the Christmas party approaches?

4. What does Harry think he hates Snape for most when he sees him upon returning to Hogwarts?

5. What reason does Snape give, in response to Bellatrix's accusations, about why he doesn't go straight back to Voldemort's side when Voldemort returns?

6. What key factor lets Dumbledore know that Slughorn's "attacked" apartment is only just a hoax?

7. How does Hermione respond to Harry's continued, and increasing, use of the alternate spells written in his Potions textbook?

8. What information about Snape is confirmed in Harry's mind, based on what he sees after the Christmas party?

9. How does Harry respond to learning that his first lesson with Dumbledore is within a week of starting Hogwarts?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose two characters from the novel of different genders. Compare and contrast them, paying particular attention to the traditional or non-traditional gender roles they play within Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Several characters in the novel have very minor roles (such as the Prime Minister) but play an important role in the text. Choose one minor character and discuss what role he or she plays in the text, how the story is different without that character, and three literary devices Rowling uses to establish the importance of this minor character in a brief but effective way.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 777 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample