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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 Levi plan to go with Zim and Pearl?

2. Why are there no banners, champagne or cake when Levi gets home?

3. What is one thing Levi's parents have continued doing over the years?

4. What does Levi think Boaz may be doing?

5. Where is Christina going for the summer?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Amanda act about Boaz's upcoming trip?

2. How does Pearl try to comfort Levi concerning Boaz?

3. What does Zim say to Levi's statement about Boaz and how does Levi respond?

4. What does Levi say about Boaz as a brother?

5. What sort of noises does Levi hear coming from Boaz's room?

6. What does Levi say Boaz does on the computer?

7. Describe the conversation between Dov and Levi about Boaz.

8. What does Levi observe when he goes into Boaz's room to help Boaz with his broken computer?

9. Who do Pearl and Levi see at the movie and what happens after the show?

10. What does Zim say in response to Levi's talking about Boaz and what is Levi's response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss The Things a Brother Knows based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if The Things a Brother Knows is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider The Things a Brother Knows a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Things a Brother Knows and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Things a Brother Knows is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach or stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The Things a Brother Knows. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Reinhardt chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Reinhardt chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Reinhardt's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc.) and how they add or detract from the story. Does Reinhardt use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, or theme).

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 968 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample