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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 Briggs think Wendell Bolton's true motivation is for fingering King in the robbery?

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

3. What is Steve's last name?

4. In his journal from Wednesday, July 8, where does Steve say that he does not feel involved with his own case?

5. According to Osvaldo's testimony, why did he participate in the robbery?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Steve think his father's crying means?

2. What does Steve say in his journal for Tuesday, July 7, that all the other prisoners are always talking about?

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

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

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

6. How can Steve's lawyer be described?

7. What does Steve say happens if anyone knows you are crying in prison?

8. Why is Steve's stomach upset on Wednesday, July 8?

9. Why does O'Brien say things are looking bad for Steve's case after Osvaldo's testimony?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A major theme of this book is identity, particularly how Steve's identity is constructed or maintained. Write an analytical essay considering the ways in which Walter Dean Myers makes identity a theme. What are the symbolic or linguistic strategies Myers has employed to communicate and investigate Steve's identity? Be sure to offer a descriptive analysis of Steve's identity and identity crisis, using specific examples.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 903 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample