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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 word best describes the way Conrad feels he needs to be?

2. What activity does Beth partake in when they are visiting family?

3. Who was with Jordan when the boat accident occurred?

4. How does Conrad's relationship with Jeanine appear at the end of the novel?

5. Where do Beth and Cal take Conrad when they get home from their trip?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why doesn't Beth say goodbye to Conrad when she leaves?

3. Why does Conrad visit Joe Lazenby in the Epilogue?

4. What does Karen's death force Conrad to do?

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

6. What is Conrad's reaction to Beth's behavior at dinner in chapter 29?

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

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

9. Why does Conrad want to call Karen?

10. How does Conrad prove that he is strong in chapter 24?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Beth is a perfectionist, and Conrad is afraid to make mistakes. Describe the ways in which perfection is a major theme in the novel. Which characters strive for perfection? How does it affect their life and character development?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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