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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. Where does Melinda begin working at Christmas break?

2. Why is Melinda angry after being at her father's office?

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

4. With whom does Melinda sometimes exchange notes?

5. What has Melinda's parents noticed in "Third Marking Period"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. How does Melinda hurt herself in biology class?

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

Peer pressure and bullying are obvious factors in how Melinda is treated and how Melinda responds to a new school environment and the other students. Discuss the following:

1. Is peer pressure as strong a presence in the school system now as it was before the advent of classes about the topic? Do you think Melinda's school does anything to address the issue of both peer pressure and bullying?

2. Are you aware of the extent of either peer pressure or bullying in your school or in your school experience if you are no longer in high school?

3. Do you think adults suffer from peer pressure? Why or why not? What types of "peer pressure" might adults experience?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of power in Speak. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with power and/or have the most power? Why? What are some symbols of power? Symbols of powerlessness? What characters seem powerless?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of abandonment in Speak. Who is abandoned? Why? Who does the abandoning? Why? Do Melinda's parents abandon her? Why or why not? Do you think Melinda is embraced back into the "fold" of humanity? How? When? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of change. Who changes in Speak? Who seems to stay stagnant? What are the reasons the characters change who do so? Why do some characters not change? Do you think Melinda's changes at the end of the book will last? Why or why not? What would it take to make Andy change? Do you think there is hope for the young man? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Many authors if queried would admit that they have an agenda for writing a particular novel. Discuss the following:

1. Define and give examples of the concept of "author agenda."

2. Do you think Anderson had an agenda in mind when she wrote Speak?

3. What do you think would be Anderson's agenda(s) (if she has one)? Give examples to illustrate how the agenda is fulfilled.

4. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

5. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

(see the answer keys)

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