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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. Who does not take mushrooms while on the boat cruise?

2. What is the mood of Jordy's race in "You're the Nearest Thing to Heaven That I've Seen"?

3. What motivates Jordy to finish the race?

4. How do Craig and Marielle fall asleep in the hotel room?

5. What does Jordan rent that tips Jordy off to his plan in "You're the Nearest Thing to Heaven That I've Seen"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What metaphor/memory of Jordan's ends "You're the Closest Thing to Heaven That I've Seen"?

2. What advice does the older swimmer give Jordy when he asks for advice?

3. In "There's a Wonder in Most Everything I See" what did Marielle steal from Craig - what was the reason?

4. What solution does Jordan give when Naomi says she will not go to Big Sur without him?

5. What activity does Jordan assist Marielle with in "You're the Nearest Thing to Heaven that I've Seen"?

6. What prompts Jordan to reveal a secret about Alec, and what is the secret?

7. What is Jordan's hidden scheme that he reveals during their last trip to Big Sur?

8. How does Naomi view her boyfriend Gary?

9. Under what circumstances does the friend group meet Craig in New York; is he aware they are going to arrive?

10. What does Naomi do differently at her funeral and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay arguing that Marielle's lack of identity is due to a societal undervaluing of motherhood. Make sure to include points of comparison and quote jobs/activities that are praised in the novel, unlike Marielle's decision to be a mother. What evidence did you find to arrive at this conclusion?

Essay Topic 2

Up until Jordan's diagnosis, he has been portrayed as highly individualistic. Discuss how Rowley's juxtaposition of Jordan's independent past against his dependent present makes his cancer diagnosis even more frustrating. Why is it impactful for the reader to see what Jordan lost versus just showing his current struggle? Draw from one to three scenes in the novel to make your point, avoid general discussion.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about how Alec's death impacted the group? What elements of their personality were changed? Why do you think he played a significant role in the characters' development? Discuss Alec's impact on only one or two of the characters and make sure to include direct evidence.

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This section contains 909 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample