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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. Who wins a $1.25 million wrongful-imprisonment lawsuit in Chapter 18?

2. Who tells Elaine to "shut up, be quiet and listen" in Chapter 26?

3. What is the name of the first poem Lora has written since her AIDS diagnosis?

4. What is the minimum time Elaine must spend on parole?

5. Who hugs Elaine and calls her "Ma" at Danae's basketball games in Chapter 27?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Lora Tucker.

2. What is Alfonso Camacho's background? Do you think Alfonso Camacho is a good parole officer? Why or why not?

3. How did Apache cope with life in Apartment 13B?

4. Describe Sabrina.

5. What is Elaine's attitude toward men in Chapter 28 and is it working for her?

6. What is it like for Apache on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota?

7. By 1998, what changes had the Rockefeller drug laws had on the New York prison system?

8. Why do you think some women have a hard time leaving Bedford Hills Prison?

9. What is Danae like?

10. What educational opportunities is Elaine involved with while in prison?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the "War on Drugs" as evidenced by laws like the Rockefeller drug laws. Why are drugs a problem in American society? Do strong drug laws deter offenders? Does the punishment fit the crime? Support your answers with statistics from today's drugs and drug laws. Make a recommendation on what you think the best solution to the problem is. Be sure to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

In "Life on the Outside," the author presents a situation in which it is easier to remain in prison than to succeed out of prison. Stories of people returning to Bedford Hills Prison are told. Jamel's repeated history in prison is another example. Do you agree with the book's message that it is easier in prison than out for the offender? Why or why not? Support your answer with examples.

Essay Topic 3

During Part 3 of the book, Elaine makes many decisions. Sometimes she is breaking minor rules of her parole. Other times, she makes questionable decisions regarding her family. Pick one situation in which you believe that Elaine made the wrong decision or took the wrong action. Do you understand why she makes the decision that she does? In your opinion, what would have been a better option for Elaine and why?

(see the answer keys)

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