View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. To whom does Harry write letters at the beginning of Chapter 3?

2. What is so special about the creatures Hagrid shows the students in his first class?

3. Why does Hagrid choose to ignore Hermione's advice about changing his curriculum?

4. Harry is surprised by the number of students that come to the first meeting; how many showed up?

5. What person was in disguise watching the children during their first meeting of Dumbledore's Army?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

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

4. What upsets Ron so much about the letter he receives from his older brother?

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

6. Briefly describe, in order, the four owls regarding use of underage magic that Harry receives in Chapter 2.

7. What makes it particularly disturbing that the students' mail in and out of Hogwarts is potentially being monitored?

8. Why does Harry suspect Minister Fudge may be under a dark charm?

9. Why is Mrs. Weasley so determined to keep Harry from learning more information about Voldemort and current events in the magical community?

10. Why is it significant that Professor Umbridge takes over during the feast?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of Harry's great strengths has traditionally been his ability and willingness to place faith in others. Discuss the many leaps of faith that Harry takes throughout the novel, and how they change as the story progresses and he matures. What do the changes show about his personal development? Does his continual faith in others display optimism or naivete?

Essay Topic 2

Ron and Hermione argue passionately over the plight of the House Elves at Hogwarts. Whose position do you agree with, and why? What role does slavery play in this novel? Does it affect anyone other than the House Elves?

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,004 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample