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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 does Junior blame for 90 percent of the Spokane Indian deaths in Chapter 27: "Because Russian Guys Are Not Always Geniuses"?

2. Why does Junior say he is thankful for his father's Christmas gift in Chapter 21: "And a Partridge in a Pear Tree"?

3. What grade are Junior and Rowdy in as they jump into the lake in the drawing in Chapter 29: "Remembering"?

4. What diner does Junior go to with his friends from Reardan in Chapter 17: "Dance, Dance, Dance"?

5. What grade has Junior earned in Geometry in Chapter 28: "My Final Freshman Year Report Card"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mary describe her circumstances in her letter to Junior in Chapter 19: "My Sister Sends Me a Letter"?

2. What story does Arnold Spirit, Sr. tell his son in encouraging him to try out for the basketball team in Chapter 20: "Reindeer Games"?

3. Describe the drawing that comprises Chapter 28: "My Final Freshman Year Report Card." What imagery appears in the illustration?

4. How does Junior describe his grandmother's wake in Chapter 23: "Wake"? Who attends the wake?

5. How does Gordy respond when Junior asks for advice about love in Chapter 16: "Rowdy Gives Me Advice About Love"?

6. What exchange takes place between Junior and Rowdy in Chapter 26: "Rowdy and I Have a Serious Discussion about Basketball"?

7. What news does Junior receive from the school counselor in Chapter 27: "Because Russian Guys Are Not Always Geniuses"?

8. What communication takes place between Junior and Rowdy in Chapter 16: "Rowdy Gives Me Advice About Love"?

9. What is an example of irony employed by the author in Chapter 19: "My Sister Sends Me a Letter"?

10. How does Junior analyze the exchange that he and Rowdy have shared in Chapter 26: "Rowdy and I Have a Serious Discussion about Basketball"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of heritage, custom, and identity in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. In what ways are Junior’s concepts of identity tied to his heritage and customs of his people? How does Junior feel that he stands apart from others in his community in regard to identity? How do you relate to Junior’s struggle with these concepts?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the narrative style of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Is the narrative related from a first, second, or third-person perspective? Is the story told in the present or past tense? How do each of these choices by an author influence the outcome of the book? How would this story differ if it were related from a different type of narrator?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the relationship Junior has with his father in the novel. How has Junior’s relationship with Arnold Sr. evolved from the beginning of the story? Author Sherman Alexie has stated in interviews that some aspects of this novel are autobiographical, including the fact that Alexie’s father was an alcoholic. How did this impact Alexie and his works?

(see the answer keys)

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