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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 Beth's occupation?

2. What is Conrad's excuse for not going with Lazenby?

3. What does Conrad wait to do after the other boys are done?

4. What is Cal's Christmas present?

5. Where did Karen and Conrad meet?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Conrad first reveal that he had a brother to Dr. Berger?

2. What makes Cal wonder why Conrad would ever want to kill himself?

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

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

5. Describe Cal's first appointment with Dr. Berger.

6. How is Conrad's confidence boosted at the library?

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

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

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

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

Conrad is obsessed with not failing. The other characters also have fears. Analyze the fears of three different characters. Why are these fears significant to the progression of the novel? Do their fears become obsessions? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

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