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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 video is David watching when Catherine is babysitting him?

2. Catherine's mother is reading a book about ________________ to her.

3. What had Jason wanted to buy at a yard sale earlier today?

4. What does Jason use to communicate?

5. What does Catherine think about when Kristi comes over to introduce herself?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the source of the argument between Mom and Dad when Mom must come outside to calm David?

2. What is David's fascination with the fish tank and how does he embarrass Catherine in front of the new girl and Ryan?

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

4. How does Jason indicate his dislike of his therapy teacher to Catherine and what does this show about his personality?

5. Why does Catherine take a flip attitude with her father when she and Kristi are playing basketball?

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

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

8. In what ways are Catherine and Jason alike? What is Catherine's apprehension about a friendship between them?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several events of foreshadowing in RULES. Define foreshadowing. Cite at least two situations in the story that serve as foreshadowing.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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