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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. Steve says his movie will be not a story of his life, but a story of what?

2. According to Steve's journal from Wednesday, July 8, what does Kathy O'Brien said her job is in the eyes of the jury?

3. What does Acie say about the verdict he expects?

4. The opening credits of the movie in Chapter 1 are designed to look like the opening credits of what famous film?

5. Why does Briggs think it is strange that Evans would have told Wendell Bolton about the stolen goods?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the typeface of Steve's journal entries indicate stress or special meaning on certain words?

2. How does Detective Karyl describe the crime scene at the pharmacy?

3. Why do prison officials take away prisoners' shoelaces and your belt?

4. When Steve decides to write a movie, what does he say it will be a story of?

5. When does Steve say he feels most involved with his case?

6. What are the reasons, according to O'Brien, that Steve should take this trial "very, very seriously"?

7. What does Star Wars have to do with the way Steve designs the beginning of his film?

8. Describe the kind of movie Steve says it feels as if he has stepped into?

9. Why do the charges against Wendell Bolden get dropped?

10. What kind of knife does one prisoner have? Describe it.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much of the complexity of this novel rests on the difference between moral innocence and legal innocence. In an analytical essay, define each of these terms and describe the difference between them. Be sure to consider whether or not Steve is morally innocent of his crimes, despite the fact that his legal innocence was established.

Essay Topic 2

This book is courtroom drama. Pick one of the legal arguments made by either Petrocelli or O'Brien in their closing arguments. Write a detailed essay explaining the legal reasoning at work in their arguments and the evidence each lawyer has presented to prove her case. Be sure to use specific details from the case and the closing arguments in your answer.

Essay Topic 3

This novel features a family where there are two parents, yet somehow Steve still managed to get into trouble. Analyze the roles Steve's parents play in his life, including before, during, and after prison. What characterizes his relationship with his parents? What responsibility do they have for him getting in trouble (if any) and what are the ways in which they tried to help him out of trouble?

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This section contains 900 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample