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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. Which of the following best describes Conrad's life at the end of the novel?

2. What launches Conrad's introspection in chapter 27?

3. How is Conrad doing on his own at the end of the novel?

4. What do Conrad and Jeanine eat on their date?

5. Where does Conrad pick up Jeanine for a date in chapter 24?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Jeanine upset about her mom's guest?

2. How has Conrad starting working to achieve his goals?

3. What does Beth do in chapter 23 to disturb Cal?

4. Why is Conrad so upset that he got in a fight?

5. Why does Conrad want to call Karen?

6. Why is Cal surprised that Ray knows about his family's problems?

7. Why does Conrad confront Cal about in chapter 31?

8. What are Cal's hopes for his vacation with Beth in Texas?

9. Which parent does Conrad fear most?

10. Why is Conrad angry at Jordan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is Conrad introduced? What elements does the author use to make Conrad seem realistic and likable?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Compare the relationship Cal and Beth have in the beginning of the novel with the relationship they have at the end. How does it change? How does it stay the same?

(see the answer keys)

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