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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 Kaira try to do when she hears Armpit come in the front room of her suite?

2. Where does Kaira invite Armpit to visit her?

3. What do Ginny and Armpit's conversation about Kaira reveal?

4. What does El Genius get out of Armpit's room?

5. What is one dilemma that Armpit faces?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Armpit's conversation with Detective Newburg.

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

3. What does Armpit stop to buy and then where do Kaira and Armpit go?

4. Who visits Armpit while he is doing some plumbing and what do they want?

5. What does Armpit notice as he is telling Ginny about his time with Kaira?

6. What happens when Kaira is getting ready for her show and El Genius comes in her room?

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

8. How does Kaira discover that Armpit is ticklish and what does Fred interrupt?

9. What does Armpit's boss say about Armpit's work and what does the boss offer to do?

10. What happens when Armpit gets to the hotel to visit Kaira?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think Small Steps is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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