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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 Grace see out of her bedroom window the night after her father makes his announcement?

2. What does Sam do when the other arrives?

3. What does Grace invite Sam to do?

4. What does Sam say being a werewolf does?

5. What does Grace learn when she gets to school the next day?

Short Essay Questions

1. What idea does Grace share with Olivia, and what is Olivia's response?

2. What does Olivia show Grace when Grace is at the other girl's house, and how does Grace respond?

3. What happens that same night of her father's announcement when Grace is in her bedroom?

4. Describe Grace's encounter with Sam when she first caresses him in wolf form.

5. What does Grace's father announce when he comes home from work one night?

6. Where are Sam's parents?

7. What does Grace say about a spot in the woods where she and Sam pass through, and how does Sam explain it?

8. What happens when Sam is really cold when they arrive back at Grace's house after a walk?

9. What disturbing thing does Grace learn about her father and how does she confront him about it?

10. How does Grace describe wolves attacking her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Maggie Stiefvater.

2. What in Stiefvater's background may have helped him in writing "Shiver"? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an important part of what makes "Shiver" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Sam. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Grace. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Olivia. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

4. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Isabel. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Shiver" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Shiver"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Shiver" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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