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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 Melinda's family communicate?

2. Where does Melinda feel truly safe?

3. What amuses Melinda about her Spanish class?

4. Why is the clan expensive to belong to?

5. What list of ten items is given in "First Marking Period"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What class would Melinda avoid if possible and why?

2. What happens in algebra class that feels disastrous to Melinda?

3. Describe Melinda's first impressions of the art room.

4. What is Mr. Freeman like and what does he have the students do on the first day?

5. What are some names Melinda comes up with for groups of students in the auditorium, and to what group does she belong?

6. Describe Melinda's Thanksgiving Day.

7. Who introduces herself to Melinda in "First Marking Period", and why is she friendly when no one else is?

8. Why doesn't Melinda go trick or treating, and what does she do on Halloween?

9. After her parents are upset about her grades, what does Melinda do the next day?

10. How does Melinda's former friend Rachel respond to Melinda in "First Marking Period"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Speak.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Speak. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Speak. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

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 Speak 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

Speak could be said to be a "bildungsroman" of Melinda Sordina, the narrator. Discuss the following:

1. Define the concepts "bildungsroman" and "coming of age."

2. Thoroughly trace and analyze Speak as a bildungsroman of Melinda Sordino. Give specific examples. What does Melinda learn? How has she changed? Is the change for the better?

3. Why do you think many novels/stories written for teens are "coming of age" stories? Do you think it is good for teens to read this genre? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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