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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. Who are the girls told not to bother at the academy?

2. Who does Miri overhear speaking about her in the evening?

3. Whose hand does Miri take as she is walking to the academy?

4. What does Miri discover about Britta?

5. Where is Enrik's home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Bena and Liana think of the village boys and of what do they accuse Miri?

2. What startles Miri awake one morning and why is she unsettled?

3. What happens to Marda and how does this lead to Miri learning about why she is not allowed in the mines?

4. Where does Miri want to go and what does her pa say about it?

5. What does the King's messenger announce?

6. What are the results of the next test and of what does Bena accuse the fourteen-year-olds?

7. Describe Miri's conversation with Knut and how does that lead to Miri discovering the price of linder.

8. What do the girls do to tell the villagers about their experience in the academy so far and about what does Miri speak to Peder?

9. Why did Miri feel isolated from other girls her age and how is being at the academy changing that?

10. How does Miri discover that Britta cannot hear quarry speech?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Shannnon Hale.

2. What in Hale's background may have helped him in writing "Princess Academy"? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Princess Academy". Questions that Hale most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Hale' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Hale' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Hale and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

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 "Princess Academy" 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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