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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. In her closing argument, what does Ellie say Katie is so intent on?

2. When the state appointed psychiatrist talks with Katie, what does Katie remember besides her pregnancy?

3. Who objected to Jacob remaining a part of the family as much as possible under the bann?

4. Who makes overtures at Katie?

5. Who is the second witness on the stand at Katie's trial?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Katie say about the baby's death when she takes the stand?

2. What is Sarah's reaction on the morning of the trial's opening?

3. Why did the pathologist's testimony send the prosecutor into a tailspin?

4. In Chapter 10, why wasn't Katie comfortable with the insanity defense?

5. What does Coop suggest when Ellie goes to him as a sounding board for a new defense strategy in Chapters 11-12?

6. What is Lizzie convincing the district attorney of in Chapter 9?

7. What does Katie admit to Ellie at the end of Chapter 16?

8. What happened when Ellie returned to the Fisher farm the first night of trial?

9. What does Katie reveal at the end of Chapter 13?

10. What do Katie and Ellie agree on about Katie's defense in Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What role did Sarah play in the book? What decisions did she make and why? What influenced her decisions? Family? Amish beliefs?

Essay Topic 2

Ellie at first wants to pursue an insanity defense for Katie. Why? Is there any support for such a defense? Eventually, Ellie drops this plan and pursues another defense. What is it? Why did she stop pursuing the insanity defense?

Essay Topic 3

What were the influences in Ellie's actions in the book? Why was she drawn to Katie? What made her represent Katie at trial? What guided Ellie? What made her choose the things she did?

(see the answer keys)

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