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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. About what do Melinda's parents confront her at dinner?

2. Who is in Melinda's art class that won't speak to her?

3. How does Melinda get her potatoes and gravy on her blouse?

4. What is the new name of the school's "mascot"?

5. What is Melinda's response to her parents' harangue at the dinner table?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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?

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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