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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 mother tell her in a note in "Second Marking Period"?

2. What is Heather doing at the mall in "Second Marking Period"?

3. Who helps Melinda devise a plan for her extra credit social studies project?

4. What is written behind the suffragette poster?

5. How does Melinda react to her parent's condemnation about her report card?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe the traumatic event that took place for Melinda at the party the summer before.

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

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

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

8. Describe the ride with Mr. Freeman to Melinda's mother's workplace.

9. What does Melinda notice about IT in April?

10. How does the book Mr. Freeman gives Melinda help her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The theme of rape is woven throughout Speak and plays a pivotal role in every aspect of the book. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of rape throughout Speak. How does the rape of Melinda play out in her daily life? How does it change her? Are there any positive aspects of Melinda's experience as a rape victim? What?

2. The title, Speak, succinctly sums up another aspect of the theme of rape. Why do you think Melinda and so many other girls/women are afraid or unwilling to speak up about being raped?

3. What do you think should happen to Andy Evans? Is he evil or mentally ill? Do you think he should go to prison or a place where he can receive mental therapy? What do you think makes a person rape? Could Andy have suffered abuse himself?

(see the answer keys)

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