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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. After their first face to face meeting with Mr. Pignati, why does John feel that he and Lorraine should accompany the man to the zoo?

2. Which part of the Mammal Building do John and Mr. Pignati really enjoy?

3. Mr. Pignati's home is _____.

4. How does John describe Mr. Pignati after their first meeting?

5. Lorraine talks about an entire book report John writes based on just ______.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does John feel that everything he does at home is wrong?

2. From the first chapter, what can you deduce about John's character and personality?

3. What does Mr. Pignati purchase for Lorraine and John at Beekman's?

4. Why does Lorraine feel a sense of compassion for her mother?

5. Can the reader figure out the fate of Mr. Pignati from the first chapter?

6. After the wild party at Mr. Pignati's house, how do John and Lorraine try to make their amends to their elderly friend?

7. Why does John's father stop drinking?

8. How does Mr. Pignati react when Lorraine asks him about an old photo she finds of his wife?

9. Describe John's impression of Mr. Pignati upon meeting the man for the first time.

10. What do John and Lorraine gained through Mr. Pignati's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Through their experiences with Mr. Pignati, the teen characters experience a transformation. What about the primary adults in the story -- do they change or evolve by the end of the book? Answer this question in essay form for the following characters:

1. Lorraine's mother.

2. John's father.

3. John's mother.

Essay Topic 2

1. At the start of the story, the main characters state that they are setting out to write an epic memorial. What does this mean?

2. By the end of the story, do you feel that Lorraine and John accomplish their mission? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Explain how the author carries out the following themes in his book, using specific examples:

1. Making choices and living with the consequences.

2. Taking responsibility for one's actions.

3. Coming to terms with events and conditions that are beyond one's control.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 930 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample