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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's family end up eating on Thanksgiving?

2. What prompts Mr. Neck to teach a straightforward class?

3. Why does Melinda end up sitting near the front?

4. What has the Mascot name been changed to for the second time?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Speak, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Speak. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of power in Speak. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with power and/or have the most power? Why? What are some symbols of power? Symbols of powerlessness? What characters seem powerless?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of abandonment in Speak. Who is abandoned? Why? Who does the abandoning? Why? Do Melinda's parents abandon her? Why or why not? Do you think Melinda is embraced back into the "fold" of humanity? How? When? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of change. Who changes in Speak? Who seems to stay stagnant? What are the reasons the characters change who do so? Why do some characters not change? Do you think Melinda's changes at the end of the book will last? Why or why not? What would it take to make Andy change? Do you think there is hope for the young man? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Melinda from the beginning of the book to who she is at the end of the book. How are they similar? How are they different? Which character do you like more? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Andy Evans and David Petrkis. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Speak help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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