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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 Reverend Alabaster Sloan feel guilty after Tariq's death?

2. What is Brick obsessed with regarding the gun he thinks he saw Tariq holding when he died?

3. Who does Tina go to Tariq's vigil with?

4. Which child did Vernesha worry about the most?

5. What do the cops do to Jack Franklin after they bring him to the station following Tariq's murder?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Will's mother take away from him after Tariq's killing that makes him angry?

2. What is the first thing Tyrell does when he hears there was a shooting on Peach Street?

3. What are Jennica and Noodle doing when they witness Tariq's death?

4. What does Steve Connors think about the importance of appearances and clothing when you are a black man?

5. Whose house does Jack Franklin go to to hide out and avoid all the media attention he receives after killing Tariq?

6. What caused the white puddle that Jennica remembers seeing on the pavement around Tariq after he was shot?

7. What does Tom Arlen think about whether or not Tariq had a gun in his hand when he was shot?

8. Why does Rocky Fry feel guilty about Tariq's death?

9. How does Steve Connors react when he finds out Will has gone down to Tariq's vigil?

10. What is the role of Brian Trellis in Tariq's killing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

On the very first page of this novel, in the section titled The Incident, Magoon writes that there are few known facts surrounding the shooting death of Tariq Johnson. However, it becomes clear in the following pages that there are six separate eyewitnesses to the crime. Write an essay explaining why the known facts about Tariq's death are so few despite the fact that so many eyewitnesses were present.

Essay Topic 2

There are several characters who stand to benefit in some way from Tariq's tragic death. Choose a character who stands to benefit from Tariq's death and explain how the character reacts to the opportunities that Tariq's death presents, citing specific references to the text in your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Magoon employs many different characters' perspectives in this novel, and she uses a unique voice for each character. Choose two characters with very different voices - for instance, Steve Connors and Noodle - and write an essay comparing and contrasting the specific language, tone, and style that Magoon employs for each.

(see the answer keys)

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