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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. In "The Juvenile Tank," how does Kody respond to the questions the police ask him in the hospital?

2. Why doesn't Twinky fire on the rival gang when they drive past him and his girlfriend?

3. How is Kody able to escape this shooting unharmed when he is walking home from a friend's house?

4. Why is Kody taking the bus home after being released from jail at the start of "The Juvenile Tank?"

5. In "Can't Stop, Won't Stop," who is watching Kody as he attempts to kill a rival gang member?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does China's grandfather show his disdain for gangs?

2. How did Kody and his crew send a message to would-be kidnappers?

3. Describe Kody's relationship with Tamu.

4. Describe Kody's relationship with his hospital nurse.

5. Why is it foolish for Kody to be alone at night, unarmed?

6. In the chapter, "The Juvenile Tank" Kody deals with a lot of violence. How does these events begin to change Kody's thoughts about his gang life?

7. In the chapter "Ambush," Kody talks about how gang members are treated. What does he say about how did the gang members treat each other?

8. What does Kody's mother help him to realize while he is in jail in the chapter, "The War"?

9. By the end of the first chapter, Kody begins to show signs of a struggle with gang life. In what ways is he having difficulty with his choices?

10. After a fight outside of Western Surplus, Kody is shot. How do you think this will affect his gang activities?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Suppose Kody grew up in the neighborhood where he attended the "white" school (El Camino Real High School). How would his life have been different? How would it remained the same? How much does neighborhood influence the decisions you make? Provide text evidence where possible. Do not simply use your opinion.

Essay Topic 2

Kody influences many people, especially his younger brother, Kershaun. Describe how he follows in his big brother's footsteps. In your response, be sure to include information about:

1). The ways Kody influences his brother's decisions to join a gang.

2). Describe their encounters when they are both gang members.

3). Explain how Kershaun changes once he leaves the gang.

Essay Topic 3

Kody leads a tragic life. Explain what is meant by this statement. In your response, be sure to include:

1). One tragic event that supports this statement.

2). One tragic relationship that supports this statement.

(see the answer keys)

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