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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. To where does Melinda catch the bus in "Third Marking Period"?

2. Where does Melinda decide to stop in "Third Marking Period"?

3. What does Melinda try after giving up on the linoleum block carving?

4. Where does Melinda go one day when she skips school?

5. What happened to Melinda at the party when she called the police?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Melinda's focused work on an extra credit project backfire?

2. What is the result of the meeting with Melinda, her parents, the guidance counselor and the principal?

3. What ruins Melinda's leisurely walk to school?

4. Who invites Melinda to his home in "Third Marking Period", and what is her response?

5. What is Mr. Freeman doing during art class in "Second Marking Period"?

6. What touches Melinda emotionally on Christmas Day and what happens?

7. What does Heather tell Melinda in "Third Marking Period" that upsets Melinda?

8. What book does the class begin to study in English, and what is Melinda's response to it?

9. What does Mr. Freeman believe is Melinda's problem in art class, and what does he do about it?

10. What does the physical education teacher discover about Melindal and what is the result?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an important part of what makes Speak interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Melinda. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Andy Evans. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Heather. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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