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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. Why is Brittany annoyed with Colin lately?

2. Who had Hector planned to kill at the site of the drug deal?

3. How much time passes after his hospitalization before Alex returns to Illinois?

4. What does the artist tell Alex that makes Alex so mad?

5. What is the name of Alex's motorcycle?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Brittany agree to do for Alex at Paco's request in Chapter 46?

2. Why does Alex become increasingly important in Brittany's life?

3. What is surprising for Brittany when she speaks to Alex's mother at his cousin's wedding?

4. Why is Brittany demoted from being pom pom captain?

5. Why does Alex quickly send Brittany away when he sees that Lucky has come to the garage?

6. What happens to Alex when he leaves Mexico and returns to Illinois?

7. What halts Brittany and Colin from having sex at Shane's party?

8. When do Brittany and Alex first have sex?

9. Why is Alex arrested on his way home in Chapter 34?

10. Why does Alex feel so out of place when he, Brittany, Sierra and Doug visit an art gallery?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Violence takes on an almost human persona in this book. What was the source of the violence? How pervasive was the violence among the gangs? What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

Create a character study of Colin. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Colin?

Essay Topic 3

The theme of struggling with personal identity is an important one in this novel. Describe how it extends through setting, character and issues and provide examples for each.

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