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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. What does Miri remember is in her pocket?

2. Who pulls Miri from the cliff?

3. What does Miri begin to relate?

4. Who helps Peder pressure Dan?

5. Towards what is Dan inching?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Dan threaten to kill Miri?

2. How does Miri make it so everyone makes a perfect score on the next test?

3. What do the girls discuss at the opening to Chapter 19?

4. Why can the academy not continue for the winter?

5. How do the girls and the school prepare for a ball, and how do the girls treat Miri?

6. What do the bandits want after taking over the school and how do the girls respond?

7. How do Peder and Miri have a falling out?

8. What does Marda reveal to Miri and what is Miri's thoughts about the matter?

9. What happens whenever the traders come and what does Miri receive from Pa for her birthday?

10. How does Miri and Peder's relationship seem at the end of the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Miri and Katar. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Miri and Britta. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in "Princess Academy" help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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