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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 Jared hope will happen concerning the guide?

2. What new pet does Simon have?

3. How does Lucinda get a hunched back?

4. Of what does their mother remind them when Jared and Mallory begin fighting?

5. Who did Jared worry would take something from his backpack.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Helen do when the family enters Lucinda's room and what does Helen tell Lucinda?

2. What does Mallory tell Jared about the Field Guide and what do they do then?

3. What does Mallory ask to take the subject off of fathers?

4. What does Lucinda snatch away from Simon and then what does she say about the house?

5. What is Jared doing with his clothes and why is he doing it?

6. What kind of pranks is Thimbletack playing and who was blamed for the last prank by Jared's mother?

7. What happens when the children give their aunt the cookies they brought?

8. Who is taking the children to see Lucinda and what does Mallory say about the cookies they are taking?

9. What does Lucinda say happened with her when her father left?

10. What does Lucinda say when Simon asks if Arthur is her father?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Lucinda's Secret, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 Lucinda's Secret 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 3

Characters are an important part of what makes Lucinda's Secret interesting. Discuss the following "good" characters:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Jared. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Simon. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Mallory. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

4. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Lucinda. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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