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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 does Kaori tell Valencia she is distracted in Chapter 24?

2. What work of literature was the name of Valencia's guinea pig taken from?

3. What is one of the things Kaori appreciates most about Virgil?

4. What does Valencia offer to do with Gen and Kaori in Chapter 26?

5. Who was the king in Lola's story who was only one inch tall that Virgil tells the voice in the well about in Chapter 27?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 19, why do Valencia's parents think she does not need to learn sign language?

2. What happens to Chet in Chapter 30 when he actually does find a snake in the woods?

3. In Chapter 31, what objects does Kaori tell Gen and Valencia she thinks they need to conduct the ceremony she hopes will help them find Virgil?

4. How does Valencia react to Gen's questions about her hearing aids and deafness in Chapter 31?

5. In Chapter 21, what does Valencia notice that is different about the old well in the woods?

6. In Chapter 28, why does Ruby call Virgil "Bayani" and what does it mean?

7. In Chapter 22, what does Virgil think the distant sound he hears must be?

8. In Chapter 20, what does Virgil do in the well that surprises even himself?

9. In Chapter 19, what do Valencia's parents misunderstand about her feelings about being abandoned by her friends?

10. In Chapter 32, what does Ruby urge Virgil to do one last time before he can sleep for a while in the well?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How have both Virgil's and Valencia's attitudes towards trusting their peers - namely, Kaori and Gen - changed from the start of the book to the end? Write an essay explaining your answer, citing specific references from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing how Kelly demonstrates that Virgil has emerged from his time trapped in the well as a braver and more confident person, citing specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Which characters in the book does Valencia identify as being particularly mindful of her "How-tos," or her simple set of three rules for making it easier for her to understand what people are saying to her? What does it mean to Valencia when people respect her request and make an effort to try to communicate effectively with her?

(see the answer keys)

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