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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 writes, "I am broke now so everyone treats me like a wet shoe?"

2. What prison job did Elaine have that paid 77.5 cents a day?

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

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

5. How many nights did Elaine spend in jail before her court hearing?

Short Essay Questions

1. Elaine searches Apartment 13B for signs of her mother. What does she find?

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

3. Why does the chart at the police department have Elaine two inches taller than she really is?

4. Describe Elaine's mother.

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

6. Describe the vehicle that brings Elaine to Bedford Hills Prison.

7. Describe the appearance of Charlie, also known as George Deets.

8. Why did Elaine move into Apache's bedroom in Chapter 29?

9. Describe Fiske Cottage and how Elaine feels about it.

10. What information does Elaine include in a letter asking to be considered for clemency?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Most books have a theme or a central message. What would you say the overlying message or theme for "Life on the Outside" is? Give examples to support your answer. Is it easy or difficult to know what the message is?

Essay Topic 2

"Life on the Outside" is an example of narrative nonfiction in that it's a true story that reads like fiction. While the story is about Elaine Bartlett, it is not her voice recounting the story. In reality, author Jennifer Gonnerman is part of the story. What is her role and goal in the telling of this book? Do you ever feel her advising or judging Elaine? Is she ever a part of the story? Do you find any evidence of her "voice?"

Essay Topic 3

Learn the history of housing projects. What is their purpose? Are they successful in what they intend to do? While housing projects are for people suffering from poverty, do they perpetuate that poverty? Is there a chance for more criminal behavior around a housing project? Why or why not?

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This section contains 892 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample