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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 Dennis take a detour to class after first passing the statue in front of the church?

2. What champion was Dennis' friend at O'Dowd High School's Anime Club?

3. What does Dennis do that makes his friend in the arcade say Dennis is being mean?

4. What does Dennis say to his ma about his studies after he talks to Dr. Rodriguez?

5. Who was Dennis with when he noticed his first arcade video game?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the angels go to Dr. Rodriguez's home, and who does Dr. Rodriguez think the angels are?

2. What does Dennis begin doing with his time?

3. What do the angels greet Dennis with the morning after seeing Dr. Rodriguez and what is his response?

4. What happens two weeks before Dennis graduates from high school and does Dennis respond?

5. How does Dennis' father explain why Dennis receives a chemistry set for Christmas?

6. How does Dennis respond to the angels' proclamation?

7. Why can't Dennis play the video game at the convenience store?

8. How are Dennis' dreams changed from the night after seeing the video game?

9. What does Dennis think about concerning how his downfall at the university begins?

10. What happens at the arcade one day when a feather floats down and then at a game-playing party?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an important part of what makes "Level Up" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Dennis. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Ipsha. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Dennis' father. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Dennis Ouyang struggled between two cultures. As an Asian American, his father believed in a strong, almost punishing work ethic and eating "bitterness," to build character. By this phrase, his father meant that his children will grow to adulthood possessing a good character and work ethic if they are not spoiled as children. But Dennis was in America and most of his classmates were not Asian.

1. Do you think a strong work ethic builds character? Why or why not? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think Mr. Ouyang was too hard on Dennis? Why or why not? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

3. Do you think the way that Mr. Ouyang was raising Dennis was not typical of other, non-Asian Americans? Why or why not? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Level Up". Questions that Yang most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Yang' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Yang' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Yang and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

(see the answer keys)

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