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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. According to Heather, what is a common mistake most nine graders make?

2. To what does Melinda compare her math teacher's love of algebra?

3. What does Mr. Freeman say about Melinda's unique art piece in "Second Marking Period"?

4. What does Melinda's mother forget to do on Thanksgiving?

5. Where do the ninth graders go when they arrive on the first day of school?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Melinda's lab partner and how does she feel about her lab partner?

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

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

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

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

6. Who are the Marthas and why does Melinda talk about them?

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

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

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

10. Describe Melinda's encounter with Rachel in the bathroom in "First Marking Period".

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

Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast Melinda's experience in ninth grade with your own experience your first year of high school (or middle school). In what ways are the experiences alike? Different?

2. Discuss how you would have handled things were you in Melinda's situation. Do you think she handles her isolation better or worse than (or about the same) as you? Would you have confided in your mom and/or dad? How about another adult? Why or why not?

3. Can schools do more to address such issues as arise in Speak? Why or why not? What could they do? Did your school do a better job at addressing the kind of issues that are illustrated in Speak?

Essay Topic 3

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not?

5. What type of plot do you think Speak is? Explain your response.

(see the answer keys)

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