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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. Besides BART, what do the police start using?

2. Why does Darryl not want to skip school?

3. Who does Marcus contact to discuss how to handle the spies?

4. What do the papers say that Marcus is given to sign?

5. Where has there been a new posting according to a text message Marcus receives on his way to the office?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who did the captors treat most harshly, and why?

2. What happens as , Marcus and his three friends approach the BART station and what do they decide to do?

3. Why is Marcus confused about his father's attitude and what does Marcus' mother explain to him about it?

4. What suddenly happens as Marcus and his friends are talking with the girl who takes their picture?

5. Who joins Marcus and Darryl; where do they go and why does a girl take their pictures?

6. How is Marcus released?

7. How does Marcus explain his absence to his parents?

8. What are some kids caught doing and what happens to them?

9. What does Marcus do to try to talk to his friends without being monitored?

10. Who calls Marcus to the office, and what message does he receive on his way there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Over the course of "Little Brother", Marcus grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. "Little Brother" might be considered a slice of Marcus's larger story of his "coming of age." It might be said that the story is a "bildungsroman" of Marcus Yallow. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Marcus as he changes from a more carefree, innocent boy to a wiser, young man. What are the significant events that change Marcus?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Rick's growth throughout "Little Brother", do you think "Little Brother" could be considered Marcus's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in this story who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Marcus and Charles. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Angie and Vanessa. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in "Little Brother" help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "Little Brother" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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