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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. On what is Melinda concentrating in art class in "First Marking Period"?

2. To what does the art teacher welcome the students?

3. How does David describe the tone of Mr. Neck's lecture in "Second Marking Period"?

4. Where does Melinda feel truly safe?

5. What is Rachelle reclaiming?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Melinda continue to fix up her closet at school?

3. What is Melinda's state of mind on the first day of high school, and how do the students on the bus treat her?

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

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

6. Describe Melinda's Thanksgiving Day.

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

8. How does Melinda find a safe space for herself at school and what is the space like?

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

10. What is making it more difficult for Melinda to talk, and what does she wish to do about what is keeping her quiet?

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

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).

Essay Topic 3

Speak was made into a film, which is directed by Jessica Sharzer and stars Kristen Stewart as Melinda. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think you would enjoy watching a film based upon Speak? Why or why not?

2. Do you think the subject matter would be more difficult or easier to portray in film versus in the book? Explain your reasoning.

3. Would you allow your high school-aged son or daughter (imagining you have one) to view the film? Explain your answer.

4. How do you think the movie differs from the book? Explain. (If you've seen the movie, discuss the differences and how you reacted to them).

(see the answer keys)

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