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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 will Beth never forgive?

2. Who has Beth discussed personal affairs with in chapter 19?

3. What word best describes Conrad's emotions about Karen's death?

4. Which word best describes Beth's behavior toward Conrad after the trip?

5. Who does Conrad visit at the end of the novel?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why will Beth never forgive Conrad?

4. How does Conrad receive reassurance from Cal?

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

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

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

8. Why is Conrad angry at Jordan?

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

10. Describe Conrad's first date with Jeanine.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who is the protagonist of the novel? Who is the antagonist? How do both the protagonist and antagonist of "Ordinary People" contribute to the novel's conflict?

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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