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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 say in a note to Rachel in "Fourth Marking Period"?

2. With whom is Andy associating now, in "Fourth Marking Period"?

3. What causes Melinda to feel uncomfortable in "Third Marking Period"?

4. What does Melinda think she may be when she is an adult?

5. What does Melinda decide on her continued walk to school in "Third Marking Period"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What does Melinda notice about IT in April?

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

8. How does Melinda hurt herself in biology class?

9. What is Melinda's response to Heather's talk in "Third Marking Period"?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Speak, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Speak. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? 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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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