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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 speaking technique does the Speech Therapist want Shannon to use?

2. Why is Shannon uncomfortable with the conversation?

3. What piece of jewelry does SIster Katherine wear?

4. What word does the realtor use that briefly puts Brandy and the others into a panic?

5. What color is Brandy's eyeshadow?

Short Essay Questions

1. When the realtor talks about Canadian currency, why does it give the group pause?

2. Why does Shannon feel she is in competition with Brandy and Evie in the first scene?

3. What story does Brandy tell the border policemen to try to get them back into the USA?

4. What subject is Evie most interested in during the pretend dramas she enacts with Shannon at the department store?

5. What article of clothing does Brandy suggest Shannon wear?

6. What is Seth's theory about television?

7. Why do Evie and Shannon continually visit the department store?

8. What has Shannon told her parents, instead of telling them about the accident?

9. Why does the narrator feel that she has no native tongue?

10. What secret does Shannon write on her postcard at the Space Needle?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A central image of Shannon's childhood is her clothes burning on the clothesline. How does this event change Shannon? How does Shannon react? How does her reaction give insight to her character at fifteen? Is this the start of her obsession with fire? Why or why not? Be sure to examine the account in the novel and cite any quotations.

Essay Topic 2

Is P.F.L.A.G a real organization? Do some research on the organization. If not, find a comparable rights group and research into their structure. How does the organization work? What are their outreach programs? Are there testimonials from parents, like Shannon and Shane's parents about dealing with prejudice or loss? Be sure to cite your information.

Essay Topic 3

Shannon and Brandy's parents are strange people. How do they treat Shannon and Brandy as children? How do Shannon and Brandy remember their childhood? Why are their parents so obsessed with Shane after his death? How does their behavior alienate Shannon? Are their parents an examples of how we are all products of products of products? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 633 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample