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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. How does Melinda almost ruin an expensive microscope?

2. What is Heather's results in the job day test?

3. How is Melinda feeling emotionally as she boards the school bus?

4. What embarrasses Melinda in Spanish class?

5. What does Melinda nickname her English teacher?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Melinda decorate the faculty lounge with Heather and what do the Marthas say about Melinda?

2. What do Melinda's parents order to do after school and how does Melinda "obey" them?

3. How does Melinda refer to her teachers?

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

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

6. What does Melinda do after school on Columbus Day?

7. Describe Melinda's Thanksgiving Day.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Any work of fiction has some similarities, yet the structure can engender differences. Discuss the following:

1. Discuss the structure of Speak and how it informs the plot.

2. Why do you think Anderson chooses to structure Speak the way she does? Give examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Many readers love novels and are indifferent to short stories, and vice versa. Discuss why you think some readers would enjoy one format over another.

4. Choose a short, one-act play and compare it to Speak as far as how structure affects the reading experience.

Essay Topic 2

Many authors if queried would admit that they have an agenda for writing a particular novel. Discuss the following:

1. Define and give examples of the concept of "author agenda."

2. Do you think Anderson had an agenda in mind when she wrote Speak?

3. What do you think would be Anderson's agenda(s) (if she has one)? Give examples to illustrate how the agenda is fulfilled.

4. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

5. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

Essay Topic 3

Melinda is a ninth grader (about age 13) throughout the novel. Discuss the following:

1. What are some ways that Melinda seems like an average 13 year old? Give examples and why you say the activities are average teen activities.

2. What are some ways that Melinda seems older than her age of 13? Give specific examples and discuss whether they seem consistent with the character of Melinda as she is developed throughout the book.

3. Is it realistic to think a 13 year old can handle the trauma of rape alone? Where do you think Melinda could have turned to for help?

(see the answer keys)

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