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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 decide to stop in "Third Marking Period"?

2. With whom does Andy go to the movies with in "Fourth Marking Period"?

3. What makes Melinda feel fearful about David?

4. What does Melinda call "crap"?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Melinda notice about IT in April?

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

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

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

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

7. How did Melinda happen to go to a party where there are alcohol and older students in the past?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not?

5. What type of plot do you think Speak is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Melinda from the beginning of the book to who she is at the end of the book. How are they similar? How are they different? Which character do you like more? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Andy Evans and David Petrkis. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Speak help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Speak based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if Speak is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for young teens versus adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider Speak a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,166 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample