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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 Tatiana respond when Armpit says hello to her?
2. Why does Armpit threaten X-Ray?
3. To what do Armpit and Mayor Ane dance?
4. Why does Kaira join the band in their bus?
5. What does Armpit think about as he eats his lunch?
Short Essay Questions
1. What speech does Armpit deliver using Coo as a prop, and how does Tatiana respond?
2. Who is X-Ray and what does he want of Armpit and what is Armpit's initial response to X-Ray's proposal?
3. Why is Cotton fired and what does Kaira promise to do about it?
4. Who is Theodore Johnson; what is his nickname; and, how did he acquire it?
5. What does Ginny's mother allow Armpit to do and what comment does she make that surprises Armpit's mother?
6. What does Armpit impulsively do as far as Tatiana is concerned?
7. How does Armpit finally understand his economics concepts?
8. Why does Armpit want to borrow one of Ginny's stuffed animals and which one does she recommend?
9. Why is Kaira pacing nervously backstage?
10. What do Ginny and Armpit do after the concert?
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
Discuss one of the following:
1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in Small Steps. 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 trust in Small Steps. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to be trustworthy? Why? Which are not?
3. Trace and analyze the theme of change in Small Steps. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with change? Why? What are some symbols of change? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid? Which characters change the most? How?
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 Small Steps help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Small Steps? Why or why not?
3. Choose one specific incident in Small Steps to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.
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This section contains 1,174 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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