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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. What is a literary device in which an author indistinctly suggests certain plot developments that might come later in the story?

2. What did Jack's friend Tim Scanlon need when he arrived in town?

3. Where did Tim Scanlon claim he was picking up merchandise in Section 1, Chapter 4?

4. What did Gantos and Hamilton believe a Japanese fishing vessel to be in Section 2, Chapter 3?

5. In Section 2, Chapter 2, Gantos, in his stoned state, realized Hamilton was partially insane as he began to refuse to _________.

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Gantos's lack of experience illustrated in Section 2, Chapter 3? How is Hamilton's experience illustrated?

2. How was Gantos inspired by the writing of Jack Kerouac in Section 1, Chapter 4?

3. What led Hamilton and Gantos to follow the Coast Guard in Section 2, Chapter 3?

4. How does the author describe the cover photo from the book in Section 1, Chapter 1? What circumstances does he relate which caused his acne?

5. What experience did Gantos have within the political revolution in St. Croix?

6. How does Gantos describe his school in Fort Lauderdale? What was Gantos like among his schoolmates?

7. What did Gantos do instead of departing for St. Croix?

8. Describe Gantos's low point in Section 1, Chapter 4. What did Gantos do during this time?

9. Why did Gantos decide not to attend a university right away? How does he describe his meeting at a college in Section 1, Chapter 3?

10. Where did Gantos go after being kicked out of the Bacons' home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the career of the author, Jack Gantos. For what popular children's series is Gantos well-known? What awards has the author won for his writing? When was Hole in My Life published and what impact did it have on Gantos's career?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the exchange between Hamilton and Gantos and the Japanese fishing vessel in Section 2, Chapter 3. Did Gantos and Hamilton face any danger in approaching the craft? How did the Japanese treat the men? How did Gantos feel about the exchange?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the setting of Gantos' childhood in Pennsylvania and Florida. Where in each state did Gantos live? When did his family move to Florida? How does Gantos describe his family life and his father's business? How did Gantos feel about his father?

(see the answer keys)

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