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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 does Dennis do when he gets home that night?

2. What is blown into Dennis' room along with Dennis?

3. When are the students to bring in the samples?

4. How does Dennis begin his talk with the angels after getting their attention?

5. From where does Hector flunk out in his first semester of college?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the four friends drift away from studying together?

2. What assignment does Dennis receive in microbiology class?

3. What does Dennis' mother say about her health and Dennis' studies?

4. What are some confused thoughts Dennis is having about his life?

5. Why does Ipsha leave the classroom in tears and what does she tell Dennis about a person's family's expectations?

6. What happens to Kat when she is ten years old?

7. What is another vision Dennis has when he eats the rest of the ghosts?

8. What does Dennis realize as he is running?

9. How does Dennis end up in the hospital?

10. What does Dennis say to the angels about quitting medical school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Level Up". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Yang chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Yang chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Yang's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliff hangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Yang use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme)

Essay Topic 2

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Gene Luen Yang.

2. What in Yang's background may have helped him in writing "Level Up"? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Level Up" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Level Up"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Level Up" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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