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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 gives Armpit great satisfaction that afternoon?

2. How many steps does the narrator describe that Theodore needs to take to change his life?

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

4. Who is Murdock?

5. To what do Armpit and Mayor Ane dance?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Armpit get angry with X-Ray, and how does X-Ray respond?

2. Why are Armpit's parents concerned about Armpit taking Ginny to the concert?

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

4. What does Armpit convince X-Ray to do despite what?

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

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

7. What does Kaira decide to sing and how does it turn out?

8. What is the election result and how does Tatiana console Armpit?

9. What do Ginny and Armpit do after the concert?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Small Steps, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Small Steps. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Small Steps and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Small Steps is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

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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