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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. How many years have passed since the summer of 1969?

2. What does Lucas discover the last time he visit's Zoe's cabin?

3. Why is Roy meeting with Zoe when Lucas finds them in Chapter 18?

4. Where does Lucas go to get rid of the backpack in Chapter 16?

5. After telling Zoe about Roy, what does Lucas ask her about Connor?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Roy ask Lucas to join the track team?

2. What is Lucas's mother doing when they get home from NA and why is it significant?

3. How does Roy react to Joe's offer to help?

4. What was wrong with Lucas's letters to Roy?

5. Why is Lucas's mother so angry with him the day after the date?

6. What mistake does Lucas make twice with Roy?

7. What did Lucas know and not know about Zoe?

8. What big idea does Lucas have when he cannot sleep?

9. What story does Joe tell at the NA meeting?

10. What does Joe's story reveal about the differences between previous American wars and Vietnam?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lucas is a runner. In an essay, discuss what role this plays in the development of his character?

Essay Topic 2

Lucas describes this summer from 1969 as being like a fulcrum or a teeter-totter, with the weight constantly shifting on the fulcrum from one side to the other. Write an essay in which you explain what he means by this.

Essay Topic 3

In an essay, consider what the Vietnam War has to do with one or more of the novel's major themes.

(see the answer keys)

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