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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. Who is Andy Evans?

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

3. What keeps Melinda from stopping at a specific store in "Third Marking Period"?

4. What does Melinda almost do after opening her Christmas presents?

5. On what does Melinda's father blame her behavioral changes?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Describe the traumatic event that took place for Melinda at the party the summer before.

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Speak was made into a film, which is directed by Jessica Sharzer and stars Kristen Stewart as Melinda. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think you would enjoy watching a film based upon Speak? Why or why not?

2. Do you think the subject matter would be more difficult or easier to portray in film versus in the book? Explain your reasoning.

3. Would you allow your high school-aged son or daughter (imagining you have one) to view the film? Explain your answer.

4. How do you think the movie differs from the book? Explain. (If you've seen the movie, discuss the differences and how you reacted to them).

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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