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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. When does James say Ned can have his present?

2. Who brings cookies and apples to Ned's class?

3. What is on Ned's mind constantly?

4. What does Ned imagine as he is walking back to the house at night?

5. In what month does Ned's birthday fall?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe a typical routine for Ned and Mr. Scully when Ned is over there.

2. Where does Uncle Hilary want to take Ned over Christmas vacation and how does Ned initially feel about the idea?

3. To whom does Ned deliver mail and a newspaper every day and why does Ned do so?

4. What confuses Ned about Mrs. Scallop?

5. How does Ned feel about having a meal with a family in his father's congregation?

6. What do Ned and his friends discuss on the way to school and how does Ned make Evelyn feel a little flustered?

7. What disconcerting statement does Mrs. Scallop say about Ned's birthday candles and what does she give Ned for his birthday?

8. What is the first lie Ned has ever told his mama?

9. What does Ned's mama give Ned for his birthday and what embarrasses Ned after a question she asks him?

10. Describe a couple souvenirs Ned has received from his uncle Hilary?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "One-Eyed Cat" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "One-Eyed Cat"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "One-Eyed Cat" to discuss and compare Ned's or some other character's response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

1. Research the history of the United States during the Depression era, which is the setting for "One-Eyed Cat". Write a summary of what you learn that you think is relevant to understanding the life of Ned, his family and friends.

2. Research the setting of the Hudson River Valley. Compare/contrast life in the Hudson River Valley of the 1930s with that of the first decade of the 21st century.

3. Do you believe it makes for a more sophisticated and enjoyable reading of a book such as "One-Eyed Cat" to understand the basic cultural forces at play in the book? Explain fully with examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "One-Eyed Cat".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of the story. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of the book. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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