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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 does Marcus do to calm himself?

2. What does Marcus ask for that is refused?

3. For whom does Jolu work?

4. Who does Marcus see in the courtyard one day?

5. Why is Marcus' father angry?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Marcus angry when he tells his father about the police's activities?

2. Describe the confrontation between Marcus and Benson.

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

4. What do Marcus and his friends learn from the newspaper?

5. What happens to anger Marcus' father and why does he apologize to Marcus?

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

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

8. How is Marcus released?

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

10. What do each of the three friends think need to be done about what they endured?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Cory Doctorow.

2. What in Doctorow's background may have helped him in writing "Little Brother"? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 3

The judge who arraigns Marcus seems to be highly respectful of what the teen has done. As he sends the boy home with his parents, the judge tells Marcus to stay out of trouble. One disappointment in the conclusion of the novel is that the lady responsible for most of Marcus' torture is not convicted of any crimes. She will not speak in court. Special closed military tribunals are set up by the government to try those who worked in the Treasure Island prison. In these hearings, Johnstone is cleared of wrongdoing. Marcus and more than 20,000 others file civil suits against the government.

1. Do you think Marcus was right in what he did? Why or why not?Use examples from your own life and Little Brother to support your reasoning.

2. Why do you think Carrie Johnstone was not charged with any crime? Do you think that was unjust? Why or why not? Use examples from your own life and "Little Brother" to support your reasoning.

3. Discuss the similarities between the behavior of the DHS in this book and the behavior of the German government during the Nazis era. (Some research may be required). Use examples from your own life and "Little Brother" to support your reasoning.

(see the answer keys)

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