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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 group is Conrad a part of in school?

2. What age would Jordan have achieved, according to Cal?

3. What marks Conrad's happiest time in the novel?

4. Where does Conrad's family go for Christmas?

5. What does Cal reflect on in chapter 6?

Short Essay Questions

1. The morning that the novel starts, what things does Conrad wonder?

2. What does Conrad use as an excuse to quit the swim team?

3. What makes Cal think that Conrad is resuming a regular routine in chapter 1?

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

5. Why doesn't Conrad tell anybody that he has quit the swim team?

6. How does Conrad feel he has let Beth down?

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

8. How does chapter 13 represent a breakthrough for Conrad and his family?

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

10. Describe Conrad's first appointment with Dr. Berger.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the events in "Ordinary People" are realistic, such as Conrad's reaction to Karen's death. What other elements of the novel are realistic? Analyze the realism in the novel and explain whether it is effective as a literary technique.

Essay Topic 2

Cal and Conrad grow progressively closer throughout the novel. What are the steps in the development of their relationship? What is their relationship like at the end of the novel and why?

Essay Topic 3

Conrad feels that he has lost his identity after Jordan dies because he feels as if he needs to make up for the loss of Jordan. How does loss of identity tie into the novel as a theme? Analyze the other characters who have lost their identity.

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