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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 does the narrator say his twin brother is in "Jordan Bell"?

2. What does the narrator's mother compare his father with in the poem "Josh Bell"?

3. What does Josh describe eating for lunch in "JB and I"?

4. What stylistic literary device is evident in the following phrase from "Showoff"? "... a sick slick sliding sweet seven-foot shot."

5. Who are the narrator's favorite rappers who have dreadlocks in "Five Reasons I Have Locks"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Josh Bell get his nickname? What is the significance of Josh's nickname?

2. What does Crystal explain to Josh in "Mom Calls Me into the Kitchen"?

3. What literary device stand out the most in the poem "Showoff"? What are examples?

4. How does Josh describe JB's behavior in the first poem titled "Conversation" from "Second Quarter"?

5. What conflict is described in "On the Way to the Game"?

6. What metaphors are seen in "Basketball Rule #1"?

7. How does Josh define "Tipping Point" in the poem with the same name?

8. What does Coach Hawkins have his team do in "At Practice"? Why?

9. What is the rule stated in "Basketball Rule #5"? What is its significance?

10. How are the careers of Josh's parents described in the narrative?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the symbolism of Josh's dreadlocks in The Crossover. What reasons does Josh give for having dreadlocks? What does it signify when his dreadlocks are cut off? Who cuts them off?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the character of Chuck Bell in the novel. How does Chuck feel about his sons? What career did Chuck have? Why did he leave this career? What leads up to Chuck's death?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Josh's feelings about Alexis (Miss Sweet Tea) in the narrative. Why does Josh express jealousy over Alexis? What do you think Alexis represents symbolically in the story? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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