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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. Which child did Vernesha worry about the most?

2. Where is Junior when he hears about Tariq's death?

3. Why is Tyrell annoyed with Tariq before he finds out what has happened to Tariq?

4. What does Reverend Sloan decide to do when he hears about Tariq's death?

5. What does WIll's mother take away that upsets him so much in Chapter 6?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Noodle feel about Tariq?

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

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

5. What does Brick think about whether or not Tariq has a gun when he is shot?

6. How does Tyrell find out that it was Tariq who was shot and killed on Peach Street?

7. What happens between Kimberly and Reverend Alabaster Sloan when they meet for the first time for Kimberly to do his makeup?

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

9. Why do Will's friends often make fun of him?

10. Who is Kimberly most concerned about after Tariq's killing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Magoon uses several characters who were closest to Tariq - like Tyrell and Tina - to develop Tariq's character and show how much his friendship and often kind nature meant to them. Choose one character whose memories develop Tariq's character in this way and write an essay detailing what the reader learns about Tariq through this character's eyes.

Essay Topic 2

Because Will (AKA eMZee) grew up in Underhill but now lives in the suburbs, he feels separated and out of the loop from his old neighborhood and friends, and Tariq's killing only exacerbates this feeling for him. Write an essay exploring how Will's graffiti helps him feel more connected to his roots and his old community.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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