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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. In what month of the year does the Ceremony always take place in the community?

2. What item is NOT included in the letter sent to parental units being assigned a Newchild?

3. In an attempt to make the family's least favorite meal sound more appealing, what does Claire's mother say every time it arrives?

4. How many Newchildren are allowed to be born each year within the community?

5. The male Nurturer teaches Claire's son to respond in what way whenever Claire says bye-bye?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the boat's cook Marie described by the narrator?

2. What criterion does Claire give regarding how the Fish Hatchery had been chosen as her workplace and how does the criterion differ from others who work at the Fish Hatchery alongside her?

3. What is the consequence of Claire's Task being different from those of the other Birthmothers?

4. Why does Jeanette, one of the Fish Hatchery workers, feel surprise when the name Paul is given to one of the Newchildren at the Ceremony?

5. What reason does Sophia provide for parental units wanting to receive their assigned children once they are a little older, rather than when they are infants?

6. How is the event of Claire's first encounter with her son portrayed by the author?

7. For what reason are the Nurturers considering keeping Claire's son at the center for another year before assigning him to a parental unit?

8. When Claire declares that she hates her life, what aspects of her life does she say she despises?

9. What is Claire's son's comfort item and what had hers been during her childhood?

10. Why is Claire so terrified when she is first told that she has been decertified as a Vessel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of power is one that comes up often within the novel's narrative, particularly in relation to the power wielded by the leaders of the community and their choice to control the actions of all community members. Other forms of power are present as well, such as the power Tall Andras assumes that he has over Claire upon her arrival within the village. Choose three instances when power is wielded by a particular character, organization, or group within the novel. Discuss how these instances help to shape the author's message regarding power.

Essay Topic 2

Often within literature, characters with disabilities are presented as being wholly innocent, good, and infallible. Lois Lowry does not fall prey to these generalities, instead depicting flaws and problems in the lives of both the abled and the disabled. Analyze the author's depiction of Einar, analyzing the characterization methods she uses to present his character and stating her purpose in doing so.

Essay Topic 3

The novel Son does not shy away from including disturbing details when describing the sexual abuse forced on Alys during her childhood or when explaining Trademaster's removal of parts of Einar's feet with an axe. Some may say that the harsh realities depicted in Lois Lowry's novel Son are too disturbing for a young audience. Write a persuasive essay in which you argue for or against the use of the novel Son in schools, and be sure to include several logical reasons with accompanying concrete details to support your claim.

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