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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 causes Melinda a great deal of consternation in "Fourth Marking Period"?

3. Who does Melinda see in the mall on the last day of Spring break?

4. Who is Andy Evans?

5. Why does Melinda miss the bus in "Third Marking Period"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What does Melinda notice about IT in April?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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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