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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. What does Melinda have to maintain in her English and Social Studies classes?

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

3. How does Melinda almost ruin an expensive microscope?

4. What poster is on the wall in Melinda's space at school?

5. What does Melinda see as her job in algebra class?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Melinda notice in her mirror and why don't Melinda's parents seem to notice the change in her?

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

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

5. What is Heather's plan for Melinda and herself?

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

7. Describe Melinda's visit to Heather's home after school.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of rape is woven throughout Speak and plays a pivotal role in every aspect of the book. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of rape throughout Speak. How does the rape of Melinda play out in her daily life? How does it change her? Are there any positive aspects of Melinda's experience as a rape victim? What?

2. The title, Speak, succinctly sums up another aspect of the theme of rape. Why do you think Melinda and so many other girls/women are afraid or unwilling to speak up about being raped?

3. What do you think should happen to Andy Evans? Is he evil or mentally ill? Do you think he should go to prison or a place where he can receive mental therapy? What do you think makes a person rape? Could Andy have suffered abuse himself?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Speak based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if Speak is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for young teens versus adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider Speak a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,080 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample