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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Lisa Shilling's conversation with her parents opens the novel. What does Lisa tell her parents during this conversation?
(a) That she is engaged to Brian Morris.
(b) That she is failing algebra.
(c) That she is dropping out of high school.
(d) That she thinks she's going crazy.

2. Mr. Bernstein refuses to talk to Mr. Shilling about Lisa Shilling's mental condition because...
(a) He thinks Mr. Shilling will hit him.
(b) He doesn't think it's his place.
(c) He doesn't think Lisa has a problem.
(d) He is afraid of the social ramifications.

3. What trait is referred to in the novel as "'Locust Valley Lockjaw'" (p. 30)?
(a) Refusing to say something bad about someone.
(b) Refusing to apologize for anything.
(c) Refusing to eat insects.
(d) Talking without moving your mouth.

4. How does Mrs. Shilling respond when Mary Nell Fickett tries to tell her that Lisa Shilling has a mental illness that needs treatment?
(a) She refuses to listen and tells Mary Nell to go away.
(b) She laughs and says she already knows.
(c) She slaps Mary Nell and calls the police.
(d) She immediately calls a mental hospital.

5. Lisa Shilling's conversation with her parents opens the novel. After that conversation what does Lisa do?
(a) Moves out of the house to live with her boyfriend.
(b) Lays on her bead and smashes her head against the headboard.
(c) Goes shopping with her friends.
(d) Goes to school and flunks her English test.

Short Answer Questions

1. After spending a few hours researching various topics in psychology and mental illness, Betsy Goodman is confused and decides to...

2. Betsy Goodman states that she is...

3. What is the profession of Betsy Goodman's father ?

4. Which character's father is a minister?

5. As Lisa Shilling's mental condition continues to deteriorate, how do her classmates respond?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Lisa Shilling tell her parents that she thinks she is mentally ill in front of her friend Mary Nell Fickett?

2. In what is Mr. Shilling primarily interested?

3. Why does Lisa Shilling feel more comfortable with her new friend Betsy Goodman than with her older friend Mary Nell Fickett?

4. Mental illness aside, how typical are the four main protagonists of the novel?

5. Describe Mary Nell Fickett's and Besty Goodman's initial attempts to secure professional help for their friend Lisa Shilling.

6. Why does Betsy Goodman self-describe as the least important person in the narrative?

7. Who is the narrator in chapter one?

8. What kind of a job does Rev. Fickett do as a church reverend?

9. Why does Lisa Shilling believe that she is suffering form mental illness?

10. Describe the family situation of the four main characters.

(see the answer keys)

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