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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 advice does Congressman Sean Cavanaugh's bodyguard give immediately after the family arrives home from the fundraiser?

2. Bec gives Riley a mixtape that includes a few Pixies songs, but is largely made up of live versions of songs by what band?

3. What is the name of Bec's band?

4. When Riley Googles their own name, how many Riley Cavanaughs do they find within the United States and Canada?

5. What is NOT a listed injury incurred by the transgender girl who is assaulted by her father upon coming out to him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What quality of Riley's father's personality inspires Riley's envy?

2. Which of the reporters' questions make it clear to Riley that they have been outed against their will?

3. Before Riley decides that one hour before their father's speech is not the best time to cause him further stress, what does Riley list among the things they finally feel ready to tell their father?

4. When Riley first sees the ketchup and honey that have been poured into their locker, what substance do they think is covering their books?

5. Discuss the irony present in Riley's comment at the political fundraiser: "The hard part is over, and now all I have to do is nod and smile" (246).

6. What evidence does Bec provide for her pronouncement that Riley is "a total pop whore" (148)?

7. What does Riley see as the connection between Riley's father and Jim's father?

8. What is the significance of the note taped to the inside of Riley's vandalized locker?

9. What differences does Riley point out when saying how the media reacts to the story about Andie Gingham differently than how the LGBTQ community reacts to the story?

10. What is the reason for Riley's decision to continue responding to people who ask questions on the blog?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a critical essay about the novel while using the critical power theory lens of queer theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the treatment of gender roles, sexual identity, and other issues related to queer theory that can be found in the book.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the novel Symptoms of Being Human from an Existential perspective. What elements of life does it suggest hold the most meaning and why?

Essay Topic 3

How does the theme of collectivism function within the novel and what is the author's message regarding this theme?

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This section contains 1,368 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample