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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. Who is Kaira DeLeon?

2. What does X-Ray try to convince Armpit to do?

3. Why are there several street people waiting in the line to buy tickets?

4. What story was a plant by El Genius?

5. What is Kaira's reaction to the mention of Dylan and Joplin?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Armpit want to borrow one of Ginny's stuffed animals and which one does she recommend?

2. Why is Cotton fired and what does Kaira promise to do about it?

3. How does Armpit finally understand his economics concepts?

4. About what does the band hint to Kaira and what is her response?

5. Why does Kaira ride in the band's bus and whose music does the band play for her?

6. What does Ginny's mother allow Armpit to do and what comment does she make that surprises Armpit's mother?

7. Who is Theodore Johnson; what is his nickname; and, how did he acquire it?

8. What happens to Armpit on his way home, and why does the incident not bother him?

9. Describe the time leading up to Armpit and Ginny finally getting in their seats.

10. What happens between Armpit and some police officers and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Over the course of Small Steps, Armpit grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. Small Steps might be considered a slice of Armpit's larger story of his "coming of age." It might be said that Small Steps is a "bildungsroman" of Theodore Johnson. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Armpit as he changes from a more immature, gullible boy to a wiser, young man. What are the significant events that change Armpit?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Armpit's growth throughout Small Steps, do you think Small Steps could be considered Armpit's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in Small Steps who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 2

1. What is foreshadowing? How many incidences of foreshadowing are in Small Steps? How does foreshadowing contribute to a book's suspense?

2. Discuss an example of foreshadowing in Small Steps, including why you believe it is foreshadowing. Include examples from the book and your own life to illustrate your answer.

3. How do you think most people react to uncertainty in their lives? Use examples from Small Steps and your own live to support your opinion.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Small Steps based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if Small Steps 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 Small Steps a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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