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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 is the mood of Steve's parents when they come to visit him on Sunday, July 12th?

2. How is King's verdict communicated to the reader?

3. Whose name does Steve write down twice on his list on Tuesday, July 14?

4. Why, according to Bobo, is he in jail?

5. How much does Detective Williams estimate Mr. Nesbitt weighed?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who owns thel gun used in the crime, and is it a legal gun?

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

3. Who is Eddie, and what is he accused of?

4. When O'Brien comes to see Steve on July 14 after Bobo's testimony, what does she say she has to now do in court to save Steve?

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

6. Why was Lorelle Henry in the pharmacy?

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

8. What is Sunset's verdict and sentence?

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

10. What do the prisoners eat for breakfast 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

While novels are written media, screenplays are the written version of a visual media, film. This book also contains several typographical elements as well as photographs and drawings to communicate visual information. Taking into account all of these formats, describe the fictional strategies Myers has employed to construct imagery and images in this book. How does he blend visual media with written media effectively?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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