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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 Murdock?

2. Armpit notices that __________ is missing.

3. Why does Kaira look at Aileen intently when they stop?

4. What do Armpit's parents do when he gets home?

5. Who has threatened Kaira?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when X-Ray wakes Armpit the next morning?

2. What makes Tatiana decide not to go with Armpit and who does he invite?

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

4. Who goes with Armpit to meet X-Ray, and why does Armpit refuse to sell any tickets to the white guys the first time Armpit and X-ray meet up with them?

5. What speech does Armpit deliver using Coo as a prop, and how does Tatiana respond?

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

7. How does Armpit finally understand his economics concepts?

8. Who is Karia DeLeon?

9. Why is Kaira pacing nervously backstage?

10. Who is X-Ray and what does he want of Armpit and what is Armpit's initial response to X-Ray's proposal?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Armpit and X-Ray. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Ginny and Kaira. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Small Steps help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the story line. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an important part of what makes Small Steps interesting. Discuss the following:

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

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by Small Steps. Questions that Sachar most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Sachar' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Sachar' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Sachar and see how his life might have influenced his writing.

(see the answer keys)

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