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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 the name of the Indian that hit Junior's grandmother in his car?

2. Who is the "Russian dude" that Gordy gives Junior a book by in Chapter 27: "Because Russian Guys Are Not Always Geniuses"?

3. In Chapter 18: "Don't Trust Your Computer," Junior describes Rowdy as being the opposite of what?

4. What is the name of the white girl that Gordy describes disappearing in Mexico last summer in Chapter 16: "Rowdy Gives Me Advice About Love"?

5. Where is Junior's grandmother's funeral moved in Chapter 23: "Wake"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Junior particularly touched by his father's Christmas gift in Chapter 21: "And a Partridge in a Pear Tree"?

2. How would you describe Junior's outlook for the future in Chapter 29: "Remembering"?

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

4. Where does Junior go with his family in Chapter 29: "Remembering"? How does Junior describe the day?

5. How does Junior describe the contradictions of his identity in Chapter 17: "Dance, Dance, Dance"?

6. What are Junior's chances of making the Reardan basketball team in Chapter 20: "Reindeer Games"? How does Junior do?

7. How would you describe Junior's circumstances during Christmas in Chapter 21: "And a Partridge in a Pear Tree"?

8. How are the deaths of Eugene and Bobby described in Chapter 24: "Valentine Heart"?

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

10. Where is Junior in the memory that he describes with Rowdy in Chapter 30: "Talking About Turtles"? What do they discuss?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of poverty and family in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. How does Junior define “poverty” for the reader? What does “family” mean to Junior in the beginning of the story? How do both of these concepts change meaning for Junior by the end of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, the history of the Flathead Indian tribes, and the setting of Montana where Mary has moved after marrying. How does Mary describe her new home? What does Mary think of the Indians of Montana? How is this setting different than her home?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of tolerance in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. How does Junior define tolerance for the reader? What are examples that Junior cites of Grandmother Spirit’s tolerance? Why is this an important quality to Junior? Do you think that tolerance is an important quality? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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