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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. Why does Ellen say she didn't call her father after her mother's death?

2. How long has Ellen stayed with her mother before her death?

3. What does Teresa say happened to her mother?

4. What does Ellen say her mother had nightmares about?

5. Which of the following was not among the Christmas movies the family watches together?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the memory Ellen has about a tree lighting event the first year her mother was one of the Minnies?

2. What is the conversation Ellen and Kate have when Hally gives Kate the photo of her newborn baby?

3. What does Teresa say when Ellen asks if she's curious as to why George is never home?

4. What is George's response when Kate says she loves Christmas? What does he mean?

5. What is Jon's role in Ellen's arrest?

6. Where does Jeff get the money for Ellen's legal defense?

7. Describe the scene in which George is feeding Kate rice pudding. What does Ellen believe is happening?

8. What does Mrs. Forburg say about why teaching is important to her and what does she say about understanding Ellen's challenges as a student?

9. What does Ellen say when Jeff asks if hallucinations are a side-effect of Kate's medication?

10. What is Ellen's reaction when Jeff makes fun of her for baking cookies and why does she react this way?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The question of assisted suicide is one that has raised moral and legal questions in recent years. Do you believe that assisted suicide should be legal and is it morally acceptable? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

What do you consider to be the main theme of this story? List at least three examples of this theme, and explain why it is important.

Essay Topic 3

When Ellen and George have lunch together as her mother is becoming increasingly more dependent on pain medication, George says that it's time for them to begin planning Kate's funeral. Ellen says that her father asks too much of her and always has. What does Ellen mean? What is George's reaction? What does this say about their relationship?

(see the answer keys)

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