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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. How much does Elaine give Michelle after Apache's basketball fundraiser in Chapter 42?

2. What letters has Nathan received from his children while in prison?

3. How many bedrooms does Elaine's new apartment have?

4. How many anti-Rockefeller drug law events does Elaine attend in her first year out of prison?

5. What kind of cigarette is Elaine smoking in Chapter 30?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Elaine realizes that a family member stole money from her, she does nothing. Why is that?

2. How is Jamel spending most of his days in Chapter 39?

3. Where does Elaine find herself on the third anniversary of her release from prison?

4. What changes does Jamel see on Avenue D in Chapter 34?

5. What is Donna Charles' situation upon leaving prison?

6. When Jamel ends up in the hospital with a hurt leg and neck, how does he explain it to his mother?

7. Why is Jamel so angry with Cassandra?

8. Why does Elaine tell Danae to leave her apartment and changes the locks?

9. What type of programs does Jamel participate in as required by his parole officer?

10. How is Elaine dressed for her first Thanksgiving at home after being in prison?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 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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