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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 Armpit ask a man sitting next to him?

2. What does X-Ray say to Armpit when X-Ray calls?

3. With what non-profit organization has Kaira volunteered?

4. Who interrupts a near kiss between Armpit and Kaira?

5. What is Armpit doing when he notices a white woman at his door?

Short Essay Questions

1. What have Aileen and El Genius been doing with Kaira's money, and why does El Genius want Armpit to come to San Francisco?

2. What happens when El Genius encounters Armpit in the hotel?

3. What does Armpit tell Ginny about his experience in San Francisco?

4. What happens to make Kaira throw coffee in Armpit's face and leave?

5. Describe the phone conversation between X-Ray and Armpit.

6. Why is Armpit uneasy in a coffee shop and what does Kaira say about Ginny and Kaira's own work with a dying girl?

7. What happens in the chaotic aftermath of the attack?

8. Describe the conversation between Detective Newburg and Armpit after he witnesses X-Ray's interrogation.

9. What does Armpit decide about the trip and how does he feel about his decision?

10. Describe Armpit's conversation with Detective Newburg.

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 Louis Sachar.

2. What in Sachar's background may have helped him in writing Small Steps? 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

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?

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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