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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. With what does Melinda's English teacher threaten Melinda?

2. What does Melinda do when the cheerleaders come into the gym during the pep rally?

3. Why does Melinda say Ms. Keen is chubby?

4. How does Melinda's family communicate?

5. What does Melinda notice about her lips in the mirror?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the results of Melinda's participation in job day and how does Melinda feel about the event?

2. What is the topic of discussion at dinner after the interim reports come out, and how does Melinda respond?

3. How does Melinda feel about Algebra compared to other math courses she has taken?

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

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

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

7. What happens to Melinda in the cafeteria at lunch on the first day of school?

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

9. About what is Mr. Neck upset and what is one student's response?

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

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 Speak, 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 Speak. (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 authors if queried would admit that they have an agenda for writing a particular novel. Discuss the following:

1. Define and give examples of the concept of "author agenda."

2. Do you think Anderson had an agenda in mind when she wrote Speak?

3. What do you think would be Anderson's agenda(s) (if she has one)? Give examples to illustrate how the agenda is fulfilled.

4. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

5. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Speak. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Anderson chooses the symbols she does? Do you think Anderson consciously decides upon the symbols to represent various elements of Speak? Why or why not?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in Speak. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Anderson chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Anderson's use (or lack) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Anderson use too many or too little literary techniques? State to which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

(see the answer keys)

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