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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 book title does Mary describe in Chapter 19: "My Sister Sends Me a Letter"?

2. What is the record of the Wellpinit Redskins when they face Reardan again in Chapter 25: "In Like a Lion"?

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

4. Whose suit does Junior wear to the Winter Formal in Chapter 17: "Dance, Dance, Dance"?

5. What did Junior's mother help Junior's father do when they first met?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why has the billionaire named Ted come to Grandmother Spirit's wake in Chapter 23: "Wake"?

2. What exchange takes place between Junior and Rowdy in Chapter 18: "Don't Trust Your Computer"?

3. What exchange takes place between Junior and the television reporter in Chapter 25: "In Like a Lion"?

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

5. What philosophical discussion do Junior and Gordy have regarding race and identity in Chapter 18: "Don't Trust Your Computer"?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how the author uses symbolism, metaphor, and character to further illustrate the themes of identity and poverty in Chapter 11: “Halloween.” Consider Junior’s and Penelope’s Halloween costumes. What does each costume represent symbolically to the wearer? How is this relative to the theme of identity? How does Junior “identify” with poverty versus how Penelope identifies with this concept?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Describe and discuss the history of the Spokane Indians and the setting of the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington. How many families live on the Spokane Indian Reservation? What aspects of the history, culture, and beliefs of the Spokane Indians stand out to you? How are these cultural elements displayed in the novel?

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