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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which character was NOT a part of the group of the three most fearsome boys at Nickel?
(a) Desmond.
(b) Griff.
(c) Black Mike.
(d) Lonnie.

2. Elwood was told that "classroom instruction" (51) took place how often at Nickel?
(a) Every day.
(b) Three times per day.
(c) Every other day, but not on Sunday.
(d) Twice a month.

3. Jody was a student from what university when she discovered the "secret graveyard" (3) on one part of the Nickel Academy's property?
(a) Florida State University.
(b) Alabama State University.
(c) The University of South Florida.
(d) The University of Miami.

4. The end of the Prologue introduces Elwood the Nickel Boy in what way?
(a) He was called Elwood Curtis.
(b) He went by the name of Elwood Curtis.
(c) He liked to be called Elwood Curtis.
(d) His name was Elwood Curtis.

5. From what material were the buildings on Nickel's property composed?
(a) Wood.
(b) Stone.
(c) Metal.
(d) Brick.

Short Answer Questions

1. For how many years had the Nickel Academy been closed when the college students located the secret cemetery on its grounds?

2. How many days in total had Elwood attended classes at Melvin Griggs Technical before he was unjustly accused of stealing a car?

3. For how many years had Blakely worked at Nickel prior to Elwood's arrival?

4. On what "side" of the Nickel Academy's property was the "secret graveyard" (3) discovered?

5. Which character was Elwood trying to protect when he got in trouble for fighting?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened to prevent Elwood from attending his first class at Marvin Griggs Technical?

2. What was ironic about Harriet's punishment of Elwood upon learning that he had participated in a protest?

3. How did Elwood turn the nasty trick played by the Richmond Hotel staff into a boon?

4. What disappointing news did Blakely reveal to Elwood about educational opportunities at Nickel?

5. Who or what was Black Beauty within the twisted world of Nickel?

6. Describe Elwood's family, as it is presented in Chapters 1 through 3.

7. How many boys were incarcerated at Nickel at the time of Elwood's arrival and in what way was the campus divided into two?

8. What major discovery is described in the Prologue as having led to widespread media coverage focused on the Nickel Academy?

9. Which two momentous events happened on Elwood's second day at Nickel, as announced at the start of Chapter 5?

10. What examples does the narrator use to back up the claim that Harriet was rarely able to "make proper goodbyes to her loved ones" (70)?

(see the answer keys)

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