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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. For what do the townspeople think Maria was the reason?

2. What does the letter from Tucson say?

3. What does Gary think about Gillian's answers to his questions?

4. What is the woman at the front desk of Gary's motel doing?

5. What does Sally do when Gary starts crying?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Gary figure out how to track down Jimmy and who is Gary interested in meeting?

2. What do Gillian and Sally do when Gary leaves and why?

3. What does Ben tell Gillian about her abilities and what does she do as the result of his opinion?

4. Why did Maria Owens attract attention when she came to Massachusetts?

5. What is the first thing Sally does when Gary comes and sits in her car?

6. What does Kylie feel about going to her aunts that summer?

7. What do the aunts do when their concoction is ready and what do their actions help?

8. Why does Sally become enraged at Gillian for something Gillian says about Sally's daughters?

9. What does Sally decide to do about Gary?

10. What do Kylie and Antonia see in the backyard, what does Gillian tell them to do and what does Kylie tell Gillian about Jimmy's ring?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an important part of what makes "Practical Magic" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Gillian. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Sally. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Kylie. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy 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 "Practical Magic" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Practical Magic" 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?

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "Practical Magic" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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