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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. Who is not on the Gryffindor Quidditch team this year?

2. Who is invited to join Professor Slughorn for lunch on the train to Hogwarts?

3. What bad news does Lupin bring to the Burrow on Harry's birthday?

4. How does Harry respond to seeing Ginny kissing someone?

5. Where is Katie Bell moved to for her recovery after she is attacked?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What surprise announcement does Dumbledore make about a change in teachers for the new year at Hogwarts?

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

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

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

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

10. What is the advertising line that Fred and George are using to sell their "U-No-Poo" product?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 673 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample