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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 gives Harry chocolates laced with love potion?

2. What does Harry do to increase his chances in getting the memory he needs from Slughorn?

3. What item do Harry and Dumbledore retrieve during their mission to the cave in Chapter 26?

4. What request does Voldemort have when, two years after leaving Hogwarts, he returns to meet with Dumbledore in his office?

5. What promise do Ron and Hermione make Harry as the novel concludes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Dumbledore explain really happens when the young Tom Riddle/Voldemort confronts Morfin?

2. Where does Dumbledore finally tell Harry he goes when he is absent from Hogwarts?

3. What mission does Dumbledore put Harry on after he returns from Christmas break?

4. What reason is finally disclosed, at Bill's bedside, as to why Tonks is looking so unhappy and unhealthy throughout the novel?

5. Why does Dobby appear with Kreacher when Harry summons Kreacher while in the hospital wing with Ron?

6. How is Harry able to get Dumbledore back to Hogsmeade after their journey into the cave?

7. Why is Fleur angry over Mrs. Weasley's comments and actions about Bill after the battle at Hogwarts?

8. What is the only thing that allows Harry to break free from Dumbledore's immobilizing spell when the two of them return from the cave?

9. How does Harry avoid having Snape learn about his secret Potions textbook?

10. What do Kreacher and Dobby report back to Harry after Harry sends them out on a mission to observe Draco?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A strong mastery of language is important for any author's success. Rowling often uses Latin as a basis for the spells she creates in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Choose at least 10 spells from the text, explain their Latin roots, and discuss how Rowling's use of Latin for the spell incantations creates a sense of familiarity for her (Romance-language speaking) readers.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The Harry Potter series are famous around the world. Consequently, most readers of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince are familiar with the characters and the storyline. Write an essay that discusses at least four challenges an author faces when writing a novel that is part of a series, using examples from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to support your position. What kinds of things must the author do for returning readers? What kind of things must the author do for readers who may, intentionally or not, be coming into the series with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince? How does Rowling complete these tasks?

(see the answer keys)

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