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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. At what age are children in the neighborhood allowed to begin target practice?

2. What does Lauren suggest she and Joanne make?

3. How far away is Lauren's neighborhood from Los Angeles?

4. What is Lauren's sermon about?

5. Who does the astronomy book that Lauren learns the constellations from belong to?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do some people think it is a waste to go to Mars?

2. What does Lauren tell Joanne about to give her an idea of how bad society becomes?

3. Why doesn't anyone bother calling the fire department after the fire?

4. Why does Lauren's father stay at the university overnight?

5. Why does Lauren call President Donner a "human banister"?

6. What is the difference between Lauren's and Joanne's bedrooms?

7. Why doesn't Zahra and Lauren like each other back in the neighborhood?

8. What does Natividad teach Emery?

9. Why is it dangerous for Bankole's brother-in-law to do odd jobs for cash?

10. Describe Lauren's dream.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Violence is presented almost neutrally in this novel. Sometimes it is very stark and cruel and other times it seems as a necessary means to an end. Describe two examples of each view of violence; as a senseless tragedy or as necessary for progress. Explain whether or not you think that the violence perpetrated by Lauren and her group is necessary.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the government in America at the time of the story. What problems does the government face and how is it trying to solve those problems? How does the crisis facing the government affect Lauren's actions and the actions of the other characters?

Essay Topic 3

Although Cory knows what awaits her son outside the walls of Robledo, she approves of him leaving the community. Why do you think she does this? Describe the relationships she has with each of her children, her stepdaughter, and her husband. What do these relationships reveal about her character?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 602 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample