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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 the name of the boy who begins to harass Adam as he is sitting at the table, talking about his bike?

2. Adam, when he wakes up in a fright, believes himself to be an ____________ person, in an unknown land.

3. What does the man on the telephone say to Adam when he calls his number?

4. Adam resolves to call __________ at the next phone booth he finds when he is on his journey.

5. Adam is distressed as he feels as if he cannot even get a _______________ correct.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the condition of the road when Adam continues on his journey from Carver to see his dad?

2. Why does Adam's arm hurt so much, according to the narrative at the beginning of the section?

3. What does Adam realize is the dog's intention for him when he is riding his bike?

4. What does Adam hope when the troublemakers come to hassle Adam on his bike?

5. Why can't Adam call Amy when he arrives at the Howard Johnson's, even though he does call her anyway?

6. How did Robert Cormier come up with the idea for his second novel, I AM THE CHEESE?

7. What does Adam discover in his father's desk when he steals a key to open up the drawer?

8. Why were Adam and his parents taking that initial bus ride away from their home?

9. Who are the other customers in the restaurant where Adam is sitting and eating clam chowder?

10. Why does Adam get mad at the boy as he is watching an interaction between the boy and his mother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It's fascinating to see an author use a very dark subject in order to tell a story for young adults.

Part 1: Do you think this story is realistic in its content? Why or why not?

Part 2: Do you think children should be sheltered from dark news and ideas? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think younger readers can benefit from this story? If so, how? If not, why not?

Essay Topic 2

The interrogation scenes are a strong and powerful source of details in the story. At the same time, they can be frustrating for the reader.

Part 1: Why do you think the author chose to use interrogation scenes in this book?

Part 2: Do you think the interrogation scenes were necessary to include in this book? Why or why not?

Part 3: Why do you think the flashbacks were used in the book? Would it have been more effective to tell the story from start to finish instead? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Adam seems to have a special relationship with Amy Hertz, though he is unable to talk to her during his journey.

Part 1: Why do you think Amy cared for Adam so much during his recollection of their times together?

Part 2: Why is Amy the only person who can calm Adam down when he is frightened?

Part 3: Do you think Amy is a real person or not? Support your answer with proof from the story.

(see the answer keys)

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