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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. How does Nancy feel about her school in Phoenix?

2. Who is Ms. Marsden?

3. How does Nancy feel at her new school in Phoenix?

4. What brochure is Nancy reading in the hospital on Valentine's Day?

5. Who is Dorie "messing around" with?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Nancy "living in Heaven" at the beginning of February?

2. What is Doodle Day at Nancy's school?

3. Who is Adam?

4. Why is Nancy happy about the results of the state math report?

5. Why is Nancy's HIV progressing faster than most cases?

6. What is Nancy's job at Liz's office?

7. What does Nancy want to do at Buttercup Lake with Dorie?

8. Why are holidays sadder than regular days for Nancy?

9. What happens between Dorie and Fred at the end of February?

10. What did Nancy and her dad do on New Year's Day?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While some identifying details are removed from the book to protect Nancy and her family, the time that the book takes place is important. As Nancy is diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, the knowledge of the disease and treatment options available are more limited than they would be if the story had taken place currently. Write a response explaining how the time period in which the book takes place influences the events of the story. What would be different had the book taken place in current times? Use specific references to the text in the response.

Essay Topic 2

An underlying theme throughout the story is the idea of death and finality. When Nancy is diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, she is aware she will die of the disease. As she struggles with the idea that she will die young, other characters in the story must also cope with the finality of death. Write a response focusing on the idea of death and finality as presented in the story. How do the characters cope with this idea? Use specific references to the text in the response.

Essay Topic 3

Love and romance are key themes and ideas in It Happened to Nancy. What characters experience love and romance? Are love and romance always positive influences? How do love and romance cloud certain characters' judgments? Use specific references to the text in the response.

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This section contains 639 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample