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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 news outlet picked up Cal's article about NASA buying every house on the market in Clear Lake?

2. How does Cal describe his diet in Chapter 1?

3. Near where did the plane crash, according to the news reports in Chapter 13?

4. Who did Cal kiss that caused his romantic relationship with Deb to end?

5. What is Brendan's last name?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the Tucker home described?

2. Where does Cal meet Deb in Chapter 1? Why is this setting noteworthy?

3. Who is Jeremy and what role does he play in the novel?

4. Who is Donna Szleifer? What does she say to Cal at the party in Chapter 9?

5. Describe Cal's dad. What has his career been like until the opening of the novel? How does it change?

6. Why does Cal become upset over a message in Chapter 8?

7. Where do Cal and Leon kiss for the first time? What happens after they kiss?

8. How does Cal describe the way he is perceived by others in the opening of the novel?

9. Who does Cal interview at NASA in Chapter 12? Why does this become important?

10. How does Cal perceive his version of journalism to mainstream journalism in Chapter 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the plot structure of The Gravity of Us. What is the inciting action of the plot? Where does the climax occur? What information is revealed in the falling action and denouement of the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss pop-culture allusions and references in The Gravity of Us. What bands, musicians, celebrities, and artists are referenced in the novel? Why? What references are made to contemporary politicians and companies? What is their significance?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the character of Kat in The Gravity of Us. What is Kat's primary role in the plot of the story? How does Kat serve as a foil to Leon? What important actions does Kat take in the course of the novel?

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This section contains 843 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample