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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 outcome of the fight in Chapter 19?

2. Alfred's opponent in Chapter 16 is too __________ for Alfred?

3. What does Alfred initially think James is when he first sees him on the stoop in Chapter 17?

4. What does Alfred give James in Chapter 17?

5. In Chapter 13, Alfred is back in the gym training and is beaten by whom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What leads to Alfred's lapse in training in Chapter 12? What does he do instead?

2. How is Alfred's last fight described in Chapter 19? How does Alfred feel about the outcome?

3. How does Alfred feel when his friends encourage him to work with kids at the school teaching about boxing in Chapter 16?

4. How does Alfred feel the day after the fight in Chapter 16? What happens at work?

5. How has the relationship between Alfred and Henry changed in Chapter 13?

6. How does Alfred feel about Spoon and his neighborhood in Chapter 14? What does Spoon represent to Alfred?

7. Who is present at Thanksgiving dinner in Chapter 17? What is discussed regarding boxing at dinner?

8. How do Alfred and Jeff relate to one another in Chapter 17?

9. How does Mr. Donatelli feel about the fight in Chapter 14? What does his gift represent to Alfred?

10. Describe Alfred's confrontation with James in Chapter 20. What is the outcome of their exchange?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the character of Mr. Epstein in "The Contender". How does Alfred feel about his boss? How long have Alfred and Mr. Epstein known one another? What is Mr. Epstein's history in the boxing world?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss Alfred's anticipation of his first fight in Chapter 14. How nervous is Alfred? How does Henry feel about the fight? How has the relationship between Alfred and Henry progressed at this point in the narrative?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the history of the sport of boxing. What exposure had Alfred had to the world of boxing prior to meeting Mr. Donatelli? What is Alfred's objective as a boxer? How does James feel about Alfred's boxing?

(see the answer keys)

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