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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. Because of Marley's misbehavior around the time of their second son's birth, what did John decide to do?

2. What had happened in that town on September 11, 2001?

3. When the Grogan family reunited with Marley after their Christmas vacation, how did he behave?

4. Marley liked to wander in his later years and one night he was gone for a long time. Where did John find him?

5. John built a shelter for the farm animals. Why did he include a door that could be closed at night?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened soon after John's visit to Shanksville that reinforced his conviction that Marley was living on "borrowed time"?

2. What is the end result of the movie, The Last Home Run?

3. What decision did the Grogans make soon after moving to Boca Raton? How did their friends react?

4. The Grogans went to Disney World just before Christmas, 2003. What happened to Marley just after they came back? What do John and Jenny decide to do about Marley?

5. What did Patrick and Conor expect to see in their new home state and why?

6. How did Marley behave on dog beach and what was the result?

7. Soon after Marley filmed his part in the movie, the Grogans decided it was time to move. They chose Boca Raton as their new home. Why was this a little embarrassing for John?

8. What were four reasons the Grogans decided to move to Boca Raton?

9. The summer after John started his new job in Philadelphia, Jenny took the kids to visit her sister in Boston. What did John have to do about Marley?

10. How did John respond to Jenny's feelings about Marley after the birth of Conor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define "creative nonfiction" and explain how it applies to Marley & Me. Explain how the book differs from traditional nonfiction with supporting arguments. Explain how it differs from fiction, with supporting arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Conflict is a common element of writing, in both fiction and nonfiction. Why is conflict so often used in narratives? How can it help move a story along? Give four examples where conflict in Marley & Me occurs and how it helps explain the relationship between Marley and John Grogan.

Essay Topic 3

What is "creative license"? When is it commonly used? When should it not be used? In what instances, giving examples, it is permissible to use in creative nonfiction? Cite three examples from Marley & Me where you believe creative license was used.

(see the answer keys)

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