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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 Conrad's response to Beth's behavior when she returns from the trip?

2. Who sends Conrad home after they find him walking the streets at night?

3. After Cal talks to Conrad about the fight, what puzzles Cal?

4. After hearing about Karen's death, about what does Conrad dream?

5. What emotion do Jeanine and Conrad share?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Conrad feel after his date with Jeanine?

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

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

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

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

7. Describe the progression of Jeanine and Conrad's relationship to chapter 30.

8. What do Conrad and Jeanine believe is the reason they got better?

9. Why does Conrad feel vulnerable after Karen's suicide?

10. Describe Conrad's life at the end of the novel.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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