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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 object did Bobo bring to Moore?

2. After the jury begins to deliberate on July 17, what does Steve say he is already planning?

3. On Tuesday, July 14, after Bobo's testimony, Steve says he can understand what about the prison guards?

4. To whom is Mr. Nesbitt's gun registered?

5. What is the verdict in Sunset's trial?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Henry mean in the pretrial questioning when she says she is having trouble testifying that King was involved in the crime?

2. How does the medical examiner say Mr. Nesbitt died?

3. What has O'Brien asked Steve to do when his response is to write down Mr. Sawicki's name twice?

4. Why did King visit Ms. Moore on the day of the crime?

5. Why is Ms. Moore not at work the day King came to see her?

6. What is the visitors' room like?

7. What does O'Brien say she is going to do on the weekend of the 11th?

8. How do Steve's parents act when they come to visit on Sunday the 12th?

9. How is the visual image of the courtroom just before Steve's verdict is read represented?

10. What does Steve realize about why there are so many fights in prison after church on Sunday, July 12?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One major theme of this novel is teenage violence. Explain the role violence between teenagers and violence perpetrated by teenagers plays in the plot and characterization of this novel, and describe the ways in which Walter Dean Myers explores this theme. Be sure to indicate what you think Myers is trying to communicate to the reader about teenage violence, using specific textual examples.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Using specific textual examples, describe and contextualize the way Walter Dean Myers uses the word "monster" in this book. Be sure to consider how the author means it literally as well as metaphorically or symbolically, and be sure to discuss to which character(s) this word applies.

(see the answer keys)

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