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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 do Melinda's parents make her do in "Second Marking Period"?

2. Where does Melinda feel truly safe?

3. Who sits with Melinda at lunch in "First Marking Period"?

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

5. How does Melinda's family communicate?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Speak. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Anderson chooses the symbols she does? Do you think Anderson consciously decides upon the symbols to represent various elements of Speak? Why or why not?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in Speak. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Anderson chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Anderson's use (or lack) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Anderson use too many or too little literary techniques? State to which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Speak has sometimes been subjected to censorship because of its subject matter and the intended audience. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think a ninth-grade student in the "real" world is too young to read about rape and its aftermath?

2. Do you think many girls who are Melinda's age are raped?

3. Would reading a book such as Speak help a girl who has been raped? In what ways do you think it would help a victim of rape, especially one who is Melinda's age?

4. Do you think reading Speak could be harmful emotionally to students in high school and/or middle school?

(see the answer keys)

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