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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 Yvonne Stennet?

2. Who is Deon?

3. Who says, "You were one step from the dungeon?"

4. When Chapter 43 opens, what is Elaine doing?

5. What hospital does the ambulance take Sabrina to in Chapter 32?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Elaine calling in to her job in Chapter 37? Do you think she has good reasons for doing so?

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

4. Why is Jamel so angry with Cassandra?

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

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

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

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

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

10. Part of the reason that Elaine is so broke all the time is because of relatives asking her for money all the time. Why is she giving money away that she needs?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

For Elaine, having her own home and having her children live with her is a goal when she is released from prison. Is Elaine successful in her goal during "Life on the Outside?" If not, what is stopping her from being successful? Is it a realistic goal? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

How does the author deal with the setting of "Life on the Outside?" Does it have an effect on the tone of the book? Do you have a good sense of the prisons, the housing projects, and the locations throughout New York?

(see the answer keys)

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