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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 does Lorraine stop by the home of her teacher, Miss Stewart?

2. Mr. Pignati says that his wife is where?

3. Lorraine notices that John lies to his family but his family ______.

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

5. John explains that Lorraine may remember big words, but he remembers _______.

Short Essay Questions

1. Is Lorraine's choice of Mr. Pignati's name from the phone book random?

2. During their first phone conversation, why does Lorraine listen to Mr. Pignati's jokes?

3. Even though he dies, Mr. Pignati's last few months are transformed by John and Lorraine. How does Mr. Pignati benefit from his friendship with these two teenagers?

4. What brings about Mr. Pignati's death?

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

6. Do you think Lorraine has a crush on John?

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

8. How do John and Lorraine treat each other right after Mr. Pignati is taken to the hospital?

9. Do you feel Mr. Pignati is correct to trust John and Lorraine with his house keys?

10. Does John have any interest in the part-time job his parents are trying to get for him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Lorraine's mother with John's mother.

1. Which one is the more effective parent?

2. By the end of the book, which pair has the better relationship -- Lorraine and her mother, or John and his mother? Why? Support your answers with specific details from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Perhaps more than any other character, Lorraine experiences a great measure of internal conflict. Explain how the following internal conflicts arise for Lorraine. How she deals with each one? In each instance, does she find a resolution to the conflict?

1. Doing what's right versus following John.

2. Having fun versus treating others with respect.

3. Being angry with her mother versus sympathizing with her mother's hard life.

(see the answer keys)

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