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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. Why is Heather in danger of losing her standing with the Marthas?

2. What is Melinda's reward for the thing she does for a whole week?

3. What does Mr. Freeman say about Melinda's work in "Fourth Marking Period"?

4. What does Mr. Freeman's painting express?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What does Melinda notice about IT in April?

7. Why is Melinda worried about Rachel in "Fourth Marking Period", and what does she try to do to alleviate the worry?

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

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

10. How does the extra credit project end Melinda up at the principal's office?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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