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

3. What did the summer party have that Melinda's mother does not know about?

4. What does Mr. Freeman think a good artist must have?

5. What does the English teacher explain about the book they are going to study in "Third Marking Period"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the incident in art class when Mr. Freeman's honesty hurts Melinda.

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

3. How does it seem the girls in the International Club are reacting to Andy?

4. How does Melinda hurt herself in biology class?

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

6. What do Melinda's parents decide about her Christmas vacation, so what does Melinda do?

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

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

9. What has Melinda been doing more frequently in "Third Marking Period", and where does she end up one day?

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

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

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels end on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Speak and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Speak is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

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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