View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What comforts Jessie in Chapter 13 as she walks along the highway?

2. In Chapter 18, how many people come to Mr. Neely's apartment?

3. Who makes Jessie go back to bed after watching television in Chapter 23?

4. In Chapter 17, where does Jessie eat?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In Chapters 17 and 18, what does Jessie overhear Mr. Neely say on the phone?

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

4. What does Jessie tell Mr. Neely when she is finally able to call him?

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

6. How does Jessie feel when she wakes up in Chapter 22 after fainting?

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

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

9. How does Jessie escape Mr. Neely's apartment?

10. During Jessie's press conference in Chapter 21, what does she reveal about Clifton?

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

Explore how plot twists, or sudden reveals of information, are used in this novel. How do these affect the development of the plot? How do they affect the development of the characters? What makes the author's use of plot twists effective or ineffective?

Essay Topic 3

Explore the theme of education in this novel. What role does school play inside and outside of Clifton? What alternative ways to achieve an education are presented? What is the purpose of education in this novel?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 854 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample