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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 is Melinda's reward for the thing she does for a whole week?

2. Why does Melinda think Mr. Freeman is driving too fast?

3. What has Melinda done this April in "Fourth Marking Period"?

4. Who helps Melinda devise a plan for her extra credit social studies project?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. How does the book Mr. Freeman gives Melinda help her?

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

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

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

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

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 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

The theme of rape is woven throughout Speak and plays a pivotal role in every aspect of the book. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of rape throughout Speak. How does the rape of Melinda play out in her daily life? How does it change her? Are there any positive aspects of Melinda's experience as a rape victim? What?

2. The title, Speak, succinctly sums up another aspect of the theme of rape. Why do you think Melinda and so many other girls/women are afraid or unwilling to speak up about being raped?

3. What do you think should happen to Andy Evans? Is he evil or mentally ill? Do you think he should go to prison or a place where he can receive mental therapy? What do you think makes a person rape? Could Andy have suffered abuse himself?

(see the answer keys)

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