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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. About what is Simon talking at the table?

2. What is Jared talking about as Simon is wanting to sleep?

3. Who does Simon suspect in the Mallory episode?

4. What enrages Helen about what Simon says?

5. What is one reason might the creature be bothering Mallory?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Jared think might be in the wall?

2. What does Ms. Grace think about Mallory's situation?

3. How does Mrs. Grace feel when she wakes up Jared in the morning and what does she show him?

4. What does Jared decide to do to calm the boggart and what does he carry into the house? What is his mother's reaction to Jared's load?

5. What does Jared point out in the kitchen and what happens to his evidence?

6. What is Jared doing that night that surprises Simon, what is Simon doing and what is Jared thinking about?

7. Why does Jared decide to go downstairs and what does he do in the kitchen?

8. What does Jared ask Mallory about her hair and what are Mallory's private doubts?

9. What does Jared do with the black plastic garbage bag and what does he see inside it?

10. How does Jared feel about the trunk in the attic and what does he do with the trunk? What does he find?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Field Guide.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as The Field Guide help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading The Field Guide? Why or why not?

3. Choose one specific incident in The Field Guide to discuss, and compare Jared's response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast Mallory to Jared. How are they alike? How are they different? Do you think their differences are mainly due to their gender differences?

2. Compare/contrast Jared to Simon. How are they alike? How are they different? How do their "world views" differ? Who is the better leader/ruler? Under which one would you rather live?

3. Compare/contrast Simon to Mallory. How are they alike? How are they different? Who is more likable? Approachable? Compassionate? Intellectual?

(see the answer keys)

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