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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 did Elaine think of the Rockefeller drug laws before she was arrested?

2. In Chapter 21, what lesson is mentioned that people learn upon leaving prison?

3. Elaine first arrives at Bedford Hills prison with how many other women from Albany County jail?

4. What was the minimum sentence for Elaine's crime when she was arrested?

5. What is the return address on most of the letters that Elaine receives in prison in Chapter 11?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe Jamel's appearance when Elaine visits him at Riker's Island.

5. Describe Project Renewal.

6. What is Danae like?

7. What are Elaine's options for time served in Part 1?

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

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

10. What is Elaine's room at the YMCA like? Is it better than how she's been living?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Life on the Outside" contains strong female characters, primarily Elaine and Yvonne. Compare and contrast these two characters. How are they alike. How are they different? Michelle takes over the role as matriarch of the family after Yvonne's death. How does her role as the "head of the family" compare?

Essay Topic 2

Soon after her release from prison, Elaine makes the realization that she has left one prison only to come home to another prison. Compare and contrast the two prisons in Elaine's life--Bedford Hills Prison and Apartment 13B.

Essay Topic 3

In "Life on the Outside," it appears that the only thing that Elaine and Lora have in common is that they're both African-American women. They grow up with different socio-economic status. One has formal education as a young adult; the other doesn't. One is a mother; the other isn't. One suffers from HIV; the other doesn't. One serves time in prison; the other doesn't. They even have different opinions about men. Yet somehow these two women become friends. Why do you think this happens? What draws these two women to each other?

(see the answer keys)

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