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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 Cal's dad say to go after he finishes his interview with Carmela in Chapter 24?

2. Where does the host of Shooting Stars suggest the next season might be taking place in Chapter 23?

3. Why does Cal feel overwhelmed in Chapter 27?

4. Where does Cal suggest he and his mother go after the failed launch in Chapter 20?

5. What does Kat do in the end of Chapter 17?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Cal decide to do in order to reconcile with Deb in Chapter 22? Why does he change his mind?

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

4. What does Cal's mom say to him about fixing people or situations in Chapter 25?

5. What image is flashed on the screen during the rocket launch on Shooting Stars in Chapter 21? How does Cal react?

6. How have Deb's circumstances changed in Chapter 21?

7. Who is interviewed on Shooting Stars in the end of Chapter 20? How does the interview end?

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

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

10. What happens at the launch in Chapter 19? What does this foreshadow?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of queer love in The Gravity of Us. How is homosexuality/bisexuality perceived by the characters in the novel? Does Cal's relationship with Leon cause any outrage from their families or friends? What statements do you think the author is making about queer romance in this novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the themes of fame and celebrity in The Gravity of Us. How are these themes developed through character? How are they connected to symbolism in the novel? What statements do you think the author is making regarding fame and celebrity?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the family relationships in The Gravity of Us. How does Cal perceive his parents and their relationship in the beginning of the novel? How do those perceptions change? How does Leon feel about his family?

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