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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 Heather beg Melinda's help?

2. Why does Melinda's Spanish teacher break the "no English" rule?

3. What is the name of the "clan" that Heather has found?

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

5. Who solves a math problem at the board in "First Marking Period"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Melinda and her parents usually communicate and why?

2. What does Melinda do after school on Columbus Day?

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. How does Melinda refer to her teachers?

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

Characters are an important part of what makes Speak interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Melinda. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Andy Evans. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Heather. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Peer pressure and bullying are obvious factors in how Melinda is treated and how Melinda responds to a new school environment and the other students. Discuss the following:

1. Is peer pressure as strong a presence in the school system now as it was before the advent of classes about the topic? Do you think Melinda's school does anything to address the issue of both peer pressure and bullying?

2. Are you aware of the extent of either peer pressure or bullying in your school or in your school experience if you are no longer in high school?

3. Do you think adults suffer from peer pressure? Why or why not? What types of "peer pressure" might adults experience?

(see the answer keys)

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