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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 word best describes Cal's performance in golf?

2. Where do Cal and Beth travel to in chapter 24?

3. What is Conrad's response to Beth's behavior when she returns from the trip?

4. What does Conrad's therapist tell him to do when he goes home after Karen's death?

5. What is the name of Cal's partner?

Short Essay Questions

1. When and why did Arnold stop mentoring Cal?

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

3. Describe Conrad's reaction to Karen's death.

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

5. Which parent does Conrad fear most?

6. Why does Conrad want to call Karen?

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

8. Why will Beth never forgive Conrad?

9. How does Conrad receive reassurance from Cal?

10. Why is Conrad angry at Jordan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What role does Karen's death play in Conrad's life? How is Karen's death significant to the progression of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze cause and effect in the novel. For example, Karen's death causes Conrad to have an emotional breakthrough. Analyze at least three different causes and effects in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

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

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