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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is in the photo album Mrs. Stearns shows the boys?

2. What does Dwayne tell Victoria?

3. What does Harold ask Victoria after dinner?

4. What does Mrs. Beckman do when she begins to speak at the school board meeting?

5. What does Russell ask Ike and Bobby?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Victoria matures and grows throughout the book. Ike and Bobby do also.

1. What do you think might be some of the reasons Victoria is maturing? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Do you think Victoria's maturity shown in the book is unrealistic in the short amount of time period the book covers? Why or why not?

3. Discuss the ways that Ike and Bobby show changes in their maturity in the book.

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

Plainsong, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy (or at least optimistic) note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Plainsong and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Plainsong is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 509 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample