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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. In Chapter 29, what single word does Elaine use to describe life on the outside?

2. How many grocery carts does Elaine fill up on her first grocery shopping trip out of prison?

3. Whose letter does Apache hear being read on television in Chapter 16?

4. What is the occasion of Yvonne's last visit to Elaine?

5. Who bought a gun at the age of 12?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 20, what does Elaine see that she needs for Apartment 13B?

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

3. Explain the Rockefeller drug laws.

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

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

6. Describe Elaine's mother.

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

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

9. What does Elaine choose to wear in Chapter 1.

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

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

What would you do if you spent sixteen years in prison for your first offense? You're serving time along with violent offenders, although there is nothing violent about your crime. How would you feel? Do you think it would be any different than how Elaine felt when she was first locked up? How would you spend your days?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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