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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. Where does Dave invite Nicky to speak?

2. What happens to the ministry as a result of Dave's television program?

3. What does Maria do to help someone?

4. Where was Dave when his inspiration to move came to him?

5. With whom does Wilkerson speak to about Pentecost?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Dave feel about Nicky Cruz's revelation and what does he do about it?

2. What does he tell a Catholic priest about Pentecost?

3. What does the author have to say about the economics of drugs?

4. What was one of the problems that happened occasionally at the center about meals? How was the problem often handled?

5. What does Dave do after the priest and him talk?

6. Who inspired Dave to find a place and what did she say would come? Who helped him find a place for the Teen Center and what did they find? Does the place sound like a good building?

7. What upset Dave after feeling so great about Nicky?

8. What does Dave say about the baptism not always freeing an addict?

9. What methods does Dave say the board used to purchase the building? What do you think he means by "hard-nosed" business sense?

10. Give a brief synopsis on how the author sees the manner in which drug addiction comes about. Do you think this seems reasonable?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter 7, Wilkerson doubts the sincerity of the religious conversion of two of a gang's members. Discuss one of the following:

1. Why do you think Wilkerson doubts these conversions? Is he vindicated in his doubts? Or do they turn out to be sincere? How can one know if a conversion is sincere?

2. There is a concept in our culture called "jailhouse conversions;" in other words, men/women who are incarcerated or face incarceration finding religion and suddenly changing. There have been numerous high-profile examples of this situation. Research and discuss one of them. (Two to consider: Look up Karla Faye Tucker in Texas or Colson of the Watergate group.)

3. What is the process of conversion to Christianity? To some other religion or cause? Why do you think people "convert"? Discuss thoroughly.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 4, David Wilkerson takes much effort and time to gain the permission of the parents of the gang so David could visit them in prison. The chaplain at the prison feels it would be too confusing for them to meet with another spiritual adviser, so Wilkerson is denied the opportunity to visit with the young men. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think is the motivation for the chaplain's denial to Wilkerson?

2. Do you believe the chaplain sincerely has the young men's best interest at heart? Why or why not?

3. How do you think Wilkerson's visiting the young men would confuse them?

Essay Topic 3

In literature, when a storyline moves from the present to the past, it is called a flashback. Flashbacks occur in fiction and also in some non-fiction--particularly memoir, autobiography and biography. Discuss the following:

1. Define the term "flashback" and give an example of it from your favorite book or movie.

2. Discuss three flashbacks from THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE and how they inform the story.

3. There are different ways to write an autobiography--one is that it is written chronological order with little or no flashbacks. The other is to write from the "present time" and presents events/ideas thematically. This way would rely heavily on flashbacks. Which style do you like to read the best and why?

(see the answer keys)

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