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

2. What does the English teacher explain about the book they are going to study in "Third Marking Period"?

3. What does Melinda say in a note to Rachel in "Fourth Marking Period"?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What has Melinda been doing more frequently in "Third Marking Period", and where does she end up one day?

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

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

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

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

9. Describe the incident in art class when Mr. Freeman's honesty hurts Melinda.

10. How does Melinda's pleasure at making posters turn into a nightmare?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Define irony in literary terms. Discuss the irony of the situation whereby Melinda chooses to make an abandoned closet her safe space because she herself has been abandoned by her friends. What other examples of irony can you find in Speak? Do you think irony enhances the book? Why or why not?

2. Define symbolism in literary terms. Discuss the use and meaning of five symbols you choose to analyze from Speak. What do they symbolize? Is the symbolism obvious? Effective? Does the symbolism contribute to the enjoyment of reading?

3. Discuss five literary devices that occur in Speak and how they are used. Are they effective? Do they add or detract from the reading of the book? Why or why not? Some possible devices: Allusion, connotation, denouement, dialogue, flashback, figurative language, motif, metaphor, narrator, point of view, simile, mood, and puns.

Essay Topic 2

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think Speak is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Speak.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Speak. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Speak. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,214 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample