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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. At what time does Harry have to report to Snape's office for his first detention of the year?

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

3. What does Dumbledore insist Harry and the Weasleys have when they go into Hogsmeade to go shopping?

4. What is Slughorn's favorite treat?

5. How long is it since Dumbledore is at the Dursley's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Harry's dream of becoming an auror revived when he returns to Hogwarts?

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

3. What do Ron, Hermione, and Harry realize about Draco after their interaction with him in the dress shop in Hogsmeade?

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

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

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

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

9. What does Harry get as a result of Sirius' will?

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

Take two characters in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and juxtapose them. What are their main similarities? What are their main differences? Make sure to use quotes from the story as evidence.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss how Rowling uses the literary device of time travel/flashbacks (ex., what happens when Harry and Dumbledore travel through the Pensieve to observe Voldemort in the past) to develop Voldemort's character. Address at least three instances of this happening and what the reader is able to learn as a result that he or she may not otherwise be able to learn from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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