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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 Sutton Mercer live?

2. Why does Emma think of leaving town?

3. What is Ethan Landry doing when Emma encounters him?

4. What does Emma observe near Nisha's locker the next morning?

5. Who does Emma find at the park?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Laurel angry with Sutton/Emma and how does Laurel indicate she's over the anger?

2. What has Sutton found and where does she find it?

3. What "prank" is played upon Nisha?

4. What was Becky like when Emma lived with her?

5. Why does Emma go to the park and who does she meet there who ends up playing tennis with Emma?

6. What video does Travis show Clarice and Emma?

7. What happened to Sutton over the summer?

8. What does Emma hope about Sutton as Emma is being dragged to the party and how does Emma try to contact Sutton?

9. How does Emma end up in foster care?

10. How does Emma find out where Sutton lives?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by The Lying Game. Questions that Shepard most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Shepard' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Shepard' probable agenda concerning that idea.

3. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

4. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

5. Research the life of Shepard and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

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 Lying Game help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading The Lying Game? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in The Lying Game to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Emma spends more time on Sutton's Facebook page, looking for clues about Sutton's life. She finds a post there in which Sutton had included a picture of Garrett with a note that he was wearing the shirt Sutton bought for him. Sutton senses Emma's disapproval and is initially defensive but then is able to step back and look at it realistically. She wonders about her motives for choosing what Garrett wears and whether it could have been because she needed to control everyone around her.

1. Discuss some of the ways in which Sutton tried to control the people in her life. Use examples from your own life and the book to support your answer.

2. Discuss what you think are reasons Emma might disapprove of Sutton buying a shirt for Garrett. Use examples from your own life and the book to support your answer.

3. Discuss your ideas of what friendship is and whether you think any of the people Sutton knows are actually her friends. Use examples from your own life and the book to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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