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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 do Cal and Beth fight about in chapter 6?

2. How does Conrad feel about Cal's Christmas gift?

3. As of the beginning of the novel, how long has Conrad been out of the hospital?

4. A test in what class upset Conrad the year before?

5. What group is Conrad a part of in school?

Short Essay Questions

1. What causes Conrad to worry about his ability to survive in chapter 7?

2. According to Conrad, how does Beth feel about him?

3. How was attention called to Conrad's issues before he went to the mental hospital?

4. Why does Cal want to see Dr. Berger in chapter 17?

5. Why does Cal want to get Conrad a car for Christmas?

6. What is Cal's role in his family?

7. In chapter 6, what do Cal and Beth fight about?

8. What does Conrad's dream of being confined in a tunnel represent?

9. Describe Conrad's meeting with Karen.

10. What are Conrad's feelings about getting a car for Christmas?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is the title "Ordinary People" relevant to the novel's content? Why do you think the novel is called "Ordinary People"?

Essay Topic 2

Many of the characters in "Ordinary People" feel guilty. For example, Conrad feels guilty over the death of his brother, Jordan. How is guilt one of the major themes in the novel? What characters experience guilt and why?

Essay Topic 3

Conrad has a flashback to Jordan's death after he reads about Karen's death. Why does the author include a flashback? Does it elicit a more emotional response from the reader than merely providing back story? Why or why not?

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