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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 color are the pigeons Betsy Ann receives from Miles?

2. Where do Cassandra's sister and brother-in-law live?

3. How much will Gladys' mother pay Cassandra to drive Gladys?

4. Which elementary school does the protagonist's mother want her to attend in "The First Day"?

5. Why does the protagonist's mother need help with the school forms in "The First Day"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Cassandra respond to the fight she has with her brother-in-law?

2. Describe the conversation between the girls about the effect Rhonda's fame will have on her.

3. Describe the environment in which Betsy Ann grows up.

4. Why does the protagonist's mother slap her across the mouth in "The First Day"?

5. Describe Robert's reaction to becoming a widower and single father in "The Girl Who Raised Pigeons."

6. How does Rhonda Ferguson's father treat Cassandra?

7. Describe the character of Cassandra G. Lewis in "The Night Rhonda Ferguson Was Killed".

8. How does Cassandra respond to teachers' attempts to set her straight?

9. Why is the protagonist of "The First Day" turned away from Seaton Elementary?

10. How does the protagonist of "The First Day" describe the woman who greets her at Seaton Elementary?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the significance of education in two or more of the stories in this collection. How does education play a role in these stories? What is Jones' commentary regarding education itself and the role education plays in this particular community? Provide details from the stories to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Religion emerges as a significant theme throughout the collection as Jones presents a nuanced approach to this central element of the African-American community. Discuss Jones' commentary on the institution of religion in the community he describes. How does Jones comment on the influence of religion in the African-American community? Is it a purely spiritual institution in the community? Or, does the church also serve a social purpose in the community?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the form of the work as a whole. How and why does Jones join these fourteen stories together in this collection? What common themes, motifs, and images run throughout the collection? Are these stylistic choices effective in accomplishing the goal of the work as a whole? How do the stories interact or speak to each other? Provide evidence from the text to support your claims.

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