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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. Where does Victoria work?

2. Where is Mrs. Stearn's family?

3. Who do Ike and Bobby see inside a vacant house one night?

4. What does Ike and Bobby's mother say when the two boys check on her?

5. What does Guthrie think about when Victoria Roubideaux gives her report?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the McPheron brothers do after Victoria's examination is finished?

2. What do the McPheron brothers give Ike and Bobby and what do the boys ask their father about the brothers?

3. What does Guthrie tell Russell to do when Russell lies to Guthrie and what is the result of Guthrie's request?

4. What does Dr. Martin do after he examines Victoria and what does she ask him?

5. What does Tom do about Ike and Bobby after seeing his wife?

6. How does Guthrie end up at Judy's house?

7. What happens at the barbershop when Ike and Bobby go there to collect their newspaper money?

8. What does Victoria do for her lunch break, who does she encounter and what is the end result?

9. Why does Ella ask Tom to come to her house and what happens there?

10. Where do Ike and Bobby ride their horse and why do they go there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The only question Victoria has for the doctor is whether her baby is all right. Clearly she does want the baby. At this point it is difficult to say why Victoria wants to have the baby despite the hardships pregnancy and motherhood will cause. Perhaps because Victoria has never had a fulfilling family life she is ready to love a child of her own.

1. Discuss the reasons why Victoria might want to have her baby.

2. Do you think Victoria should keep her baby? Why or why not?

3. Discuss the pros and cons of a teenage girl having and keeping a baby.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Plainsong, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

The source of Russell's tendency for inappropriate behavior is obvious. With parents who lash out in vulgar tirades it is little wonder that Russell sees bullying and violence as acceptable behavior.

1. In light of the above statement discuss the saying: The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

2. Do you think Russell's behavior should be excused in view of what type of people his parents seem to be? Why or why not?

3. Discuss why Russell's behavior seems to reflect his parents. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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