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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 is Cassandra and what does she give Elaine as a welcome home present?

2. Who dies in 1993 from an overdose?

3. Why says, "The more I waited, the nervouser I got."

4. What celebrity joins the rally at Rockefeller Center on the 25th anniversary of the Rockefeller drug laws?

5. What is South Forty?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What is the purpose of South Forty?

7. Describe Elaine's cell at Bedford Hills Prison from Chapter Eight.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"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 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

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?

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