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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. How does Cal get to the NASA headquarters in Chapter 27?

2. What issue does Cal's mother struggle with?

3. Who has called and spoken to Tony in Chapter 15?

4. What does Cal suggest Deb do for income in Chapter 27?

5. For how long does Leon say his mother will be gone on the mission in Chapter 26?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Leon feel upset at the celebration party in Chapter 17?

2. What launch does Cal go to observe in Chapter 18? Why is it important?

3. How do the Shooting Stars episodes begin to change in tone by Chapter 18?

4. How is Cal's fame described on the Shooting Stars finale in Chapter 21?

5. What does Cal do in Chapter 15 to "out" StarWatch?

6. What has been the public response to Cal's video in Chapter 27?

7. What news do Cal and Leon learn while they are out together in Chapter 16? What does this news mean?

8. Who does Cal interview first at NASA in Chapter 24? What does this character talk about?

9. What cassette tape does Cal find in his room in Chapter 25? What does it signify?

10. What is revealed about the hiring of Cal's father on the Shooting Stars finale in Chapter 21?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss three examples of irony in The Gravity of Us. What purpose does each example serve? Does the author point out irony directly? How does the author employ verbal, situational, and dramatic irony in the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Compare and contrast the characters of Leon and Cal in the novel. How are they similar? How are they different? How would you compare their perspectives of their circumstances and their futures?

(see the answer keys)

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