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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. Catherine vents her frustration about ________________ to Jason.

2. What does Catherine tell Kristi about Jason when Kristi sees his portrait in Catherine's sketchbook?

3. What does Jason's mother scold Catherine for doing?

4. Who is David's therapist?

5. Who is the boy in the wheelchair in the waiting room at the therapist's office?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are Catherine and Jason able to form a close bond pretty quickly?

2. Why is Catherine in conflict regarding David at this point in her life?

3. Why is Dad's arrival time at home so critical for David?

4. How do the interactions between Catherine and Jason show their artistic inclinations?

5. When does Catherine meet Kristi and what are Catherine's thoughts about the meeting?

6. Why does David bring Catherine an unwound cassette tape and what does Kristi say about David that angers Catherine?

7. Why are Catherine's feelings of dread and embarrassment regarding her brother typical of a young pre-teen like Catherine?

8. What gift had Jason left for Catherine at therapy on a day she did not go?

9. Which of David's sensitivities does Ryan mock and how does Catherine feel about Ryan after that?

10. How has the author structured the book related to rules?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the significance of the book's title. What does the author mean by calling it simply RULES? What is he trying to emphasize with this emphatic style? Suggest three alternate titles for this book with supporting rationale for each.

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Mom. What did she look like? What were her positive personality traits? What were her dreams and fears? What was most valuable to her in her world?

Essay Topic 3

The author used more than one iteration on the theme of friendship. Identify at least two examples about friendship in the book and then explain why the examples support the theme.

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