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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 is Harry secretly upset in Chapter 9?

2. What does Mr. Weasley tell the children about his attack?

3. What do Sirius and Mrs. Weasley argue about in Chapter Five?

4. Why do Harry and friends advise Sirius against coming to visit them disguised as a black dog?

5. What does Dumbledore tell Harry when they speak after the hearing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What makes the hearing in Chapter 8 so unusual?

2. What action, on the part of the Ministry of Magic, shows how serious they are about undermining Dumbledore's influence?

3. Why do you think it is so difficult for Harry to accept the position teaching students Defense Against the Dark Arts?

4. What is so unusual about the song the Sorting Hat sings at the beginning of Chapter 11? What could that mean for the students of Hogwarts?

5. What purpose does Educational Decree Number Twenty-four serve, aside from obviously disbanding groups?

6. What does Harry notice about the carriages that take students from the train to Hogwarts proper, and why is it significant?

7. Why is Umbridge's punishment of Fred, George and Harry particularly cruel to Harry?

8. Why did Dumbledore send Hagrid to attempt negotiations with the giants?

9. Why does Harry stay awake all night before going to visit Mr. Weasley at the hospital?

10. Given that he has never met many of the guards that come to rescue him, what does Harry's choice to leave the Dursleys' reveal about his character?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Despite being aligned with "good", several of the main characters of the novel dabble in morally ambiguous behavior in order to accomplish an end. Discuss the dilemma between what is more important to the heroes and heroines of the story: the journey or the destination.

Essay Topic 2

The wizarding world is highly divided by both race and familial ties, with family lineage playing a large role in one's social standing. Choose one main character and discuss thoroughly the impact "blood" has on the character and their values. Be sure to include external and internal factors that contribute to this personal development.

Essay Topic 3

Rowling seems to associate Coming of Age with painful experiences. Do you agree that the characters must develop a sense of mortality in order to mature and come of age? Support your assertion with details from the novel.

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