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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 Miles Clifton admit to doing to the residents of Clifton?

2. Why doesn't Jessie want to return to her room after watching television in Chapter 23?

3. How does Jessie know she isn't dreaming in Chapter 19?

4. In Chapter 22, where does Katie say the children from Clifton are?

5. What makes Jessie angry at the end of Chapter 23?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 15, how does Jessie feel about her escape from Clifton?

2. What happens in Chapter 18 when Mr. Neely invites his friends over?

3. What does Jessie see on television in the hospital in Chapter 23?

4. Why does Jessie name the presidents in Chapter 21?

5. Why does Jessie think of her cat after jumping out of a window?

6. After first leaving Clifton, what things does Jessie question about money?

7. What does Katie tell Jessie about the children of Clifton in Chapter 22?

8. In Chapter 14, what do Jessie and the "fat man" talk about?

9. How does Jessie get out of the bread truck?

10. What happens when Jessie calls the health department in Chapter 20?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the role of fear in this novel. Consider fear as a motivating factor, plot element and as a character itself.

Essay Topic 2

Explore the symbolism used in "Running Out of Time". Consider the symbolic value of rocks, trees and cars. Why does the author use this device?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze Jessie as a protagonist. How does she match the description of a protagonist? In what ways is she effective at anchoring this novel? In what ways is she not?

(see the answer keys)

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