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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. Where does Helen say the family is staying?

2. What does Mallory say does not make their house dangerous?

3. Who gets the blame for the last prank played on Jared?

4. What does the asylum look like?

5. What does Simon grab out of the microwave?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Lucinda feel about Thimbletack and what does she show the children in connection with him?

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

3. What do the children see when they enter their aunt's room?

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

5. What does Lucinda tell the children and what does she ask them about their lives?

6. What do Jared and Mallory do in the car and of what does their mother remind them?

7. What does Jared ask Simon and Mallory if they want to give up and what do they say to that question?

8. What do the Grace children do as soon as their mother leaves the room and what does Lucinda say about their house?

9. What does Jared suggest when his siblings ask him who can help?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Mallory is having trouble coping with the realization that their home and the family's safety is unpredictable and precarious. The uncertainty of life alarms her.

1. Why do you think Mallory is alarmed at the uncertainty of life? Use examples from Lucinda's Secret and your own life to support your answer.

2. Have you ever felt that life was scary because it was uncertain? Why or why not? Use examples from your own life to support your answer.

3. What are some of the things you think are absolutely certain about life and what are some that you think are completely uncertain?

Essay Topic 3

Following the path of their Uncle frustrates Jared when Simon refuses to explain why he appears to be backtracking on the path. Mallory continues to follow without question and when Jared finally tries to ask Simon where they are going, Simon snaps at Jared. While Simon is under a spell, his angry words show that he is sometimes resentful of Jared's need to be in charge all the time and somewhat jealous of Jared who seems to always be able to find a solution to a problem.

1. Why do you think Simon ignoring Jared was frustrating to Jared? Do you think most people become frustrated when they are ignored? Why or why not? Use examples from Lucinda's Secret and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think Simon was ignoring Jared because of a spell or did the spell simply cause him to do what he would like to do when he is himself? Do you think Simon resents Jared always trying to be in charge of a situation? Why or why not? Use examples from Lucinda's Secret and your own life to support your answer.

3. If you were under a spell and could say or do anything you want to one of your siblings or good friends, using the spell as an excuse so they wouldn't blame you, what would you do? Why would you do it?

(see the answer keys)

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