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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. How is Levi surprised when he goes into Boaz's room?

2. What does Levi say about his brother when asked at the movies?

3. What realization is dawning on Levi?

4. In what service had Abba and Dov served?

5. What do Levi and Zim have in common?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Levi tell Zim and Pearl about Boaz while they are at the yogurt shop?

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

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

4. Who is Pearl and what is her relationship to Levi?

5. What happens when Amanda spots the sign honoring Boaz?

6. What does Boaz say he is going to do that Abba and Dov think is good, and why does Levi think Boaz is lying?

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

8. How do Amanda and Abba respond differently to Boaz's behavior?

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

10. How long does Boaz stay in his room and what does Levi say to Zim's desire to see Boaz?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The Things a Brother Knows, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in The Things a Brother Knows. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot.) Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not? Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Adjusting to life as a civilian is difficult for Boaz. He stays in his room and sleeps, but he is probably just avoiding talking about his experience. He's not ready to discuss it yet. But his silence, just like his military service, is impacting the family. His mother is worried, but keeps reminding herself that at least he's home. Abba doesn't understand why his son is isolating himself and isn't just his old self. Levi is confused and hurt. Boaz's apparent depression is making Levi feel guilty.

1. Discuss why adjusting to civilian life might be difficult for Boaz. Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

2. How do you think Boaz's silence is affecting his family? Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

3. Compare Boaz's parents reactions to his behavior and why you think his mother and father are reacting differently. Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Things a Brother Knows.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Things a Brother Knows. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Things a Brother Knows. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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