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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 is the first line in the song that Jamel recites?

2. How many times in the summer did Elaine return to see Nathan according to Chapter 31?

3. Who is the only sibling who traveled across state to visit Jamel in prison?

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

5. Jamel gets into a physical fight with the mother of his child in Chapter 35. What does she hit him with?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why is Elaine not allowed to see Sabrina's body?

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

5. Describe Cassandra's relationship with Jamel.

6. Why is Apartment 13B more crowded than usual on April 3, 2001?

7. Explain "cuff therapy."

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

9. What is Officer Russell's background?

10. What is Jamel's ambition in Part 4, and how has he prepared for it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

"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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 821 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample