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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. In Chapter 15, what does the mystery man do after meeting Jessie?

2. While riding the bus in Chapter 20, who does Jessie decide she must contact first?

3. Why does Jessie worry about calling Mr. Neely in Chapter 13?

4. In Chapter 21, what does Jessie overhear a cameraman ask?

5. What does Ray assume Jessie is in Chapter 16?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What makes Jessie comfortable with Mr. Neely when she first meets him?

6. Why is Jessie so angry at the end of Chapter 23?

7. What happens the first time Jessie uses a phone?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Examine the plot development of "Running Out of Time", and then compare it to a traditional plot arc. What elements line up between these two? What do not? How do the elements of the plot of this novel strengthen the reader's interest?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze Clifton as a setting in this novel. How does the description of the village vs. the tourist area affect the development of the plot and characters? Consider the author's use of word choice when describing Clifton.

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