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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. How does Richard seem when he arrives and notices Nailer is awake?

2. Why do they have to move quickly?

3. What does Nailer realize will happen if the Pole Star sinks?

4. Where does Nailer encounter Richard Lopez?

5. Where is Nailer given a job?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do they learn from Tool about Nita's kidnapping?

2. Where does Nita say they need to go and why will that be difficult?

3. What bothers Nailer the most about his situation with Pima and Nita?

4. What happens between Nailer and his father in the engine room?

5. What does Nailer learn about Nita's would-be rescuers?

6. What does Captain Candless do after hearing Nailer's story?

7. What does Nailer do after Richard passes out of sight and why does Nita not seem too worried?

8. What causes the three of them dismay as they arrive at the docks?

9. What does Nita say about why her uncle is chasing her?

10. How does the Dauntless fall into a trap and what seems to be the best way to get out of it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in Ship Breaker. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in Ship Breaker. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of class in Ship Breaker. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Ship Breaker based upon your criteria for a successful novel and judge if Ship Breaker is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider Ship Breaker a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think Ship Breaker is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever finished reading a book and did not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,296 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample