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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. Why does Aunt Helen move in with Charlie's family?
(a) She needs a place to stay and get her life on track.
(b) She wants to start a new job.
(c) She is pursuing higher education.
(d) She misses Charlie and his siblings.

2. What does Charlie see as the amazing white stars?
(a) Snow falling in the night sky.
(b) Bright city lights.
(c) Shooting stars.
(d) Holes in the glass dome of the sky.

3. What tradition does Charlie and his family follow every time they return home from a visit?
(a) Visiting Aunt Helen's grave.
(b) Watching a movie.
(c) Going out to eat.
(d) Baking cookies.

4. Why does Charlie decide to attend social events and parties?
(a) To show off his dance moves.
(b) To avoid being alone.
(c) To impress his parents.
(d) To fit in with his peers.

5. What gift does Charlie receive from his Secret Santa?
(a) A harmonica and a book about playing it.
(b) A book about Harvey Milk.
(c) A set of watercolor paints.
(d) A suit coat.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Charlie receive from Sam as a gift?

2. What question does Sam ask Charlie after she joins him at the party?

3. Why does Charlie not drink beer at the party?

4. What is Charlie's sister doing in the laundry room with a senior?

5. What does Sam want for Charlie's first kiss?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Patrick's relationship with Brad change over time, and what does it reveal about Brad's behavior?

2. How does Charlie describe the weather and his feelings on the day he did not mind going to school?

3. Discuss the impact of the book Peter Pan on Charlie's understanding of growing up and betrayal.

4. What role does Charlie's Aunt Helen play in his life?

5. Describe Charlie's feelings for Sam and how they are different from those for his sister.

6. Describe Charlie's experience with participating in social events and his feelings of being present and connected.

7. What is the significance of Charlie's exchange with his grandfather after the Thanksgiving meal?

8. How does Michael's death affect Charlie?

9. Why does Charlie have mixed feelings about his parents?

10. How does Charlie's advanced English teacher, Bill, criticize his writing?

(see the answer keys)

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