View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why are Dov and Abba perplexed about Boaz walking to the restaurant?

2. What does Amanda think Boaz's trip will do for Boaz?

3. What does Amanda buy Boaz?

4. Why does the family think Boaz will be coming down for dinner?

5. What does Levi find when he returns from a jog?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Levi doing when Boaz comes home and how does the family greet him?

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

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

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

5. How does Boaz's choice after high school impact the family?

6. What is Levi hoping for concerning the sign in front of his school?

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

8. What happens when Amanda knocks on Boaz's door and why is this different than Boaz used to be?

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

10. Why is Levi conflicted about attending a party and what does he decide?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think The Things a Brother Knows is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 2

Levi senses that his parents are too close to the situation and too emotional to help Boaz. He has growing concerns about Boaz. He thinks he is planning something and, given his psychological state, Levi fears that it could be disastrous. He knows that it's very unhealthy for Boaz to be isolating himself. His parents and grandparents are in denial. Even though Levi has some feelings of envy and bitterness about his brother who has always gotten more attention than he has, at least in his mind, Levi is showing how much he cares for his brother.

1. Do you think Levi's parents' emotions could be affecting their judgment? How could that happen? Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

2. Discuss the problems that could occur from Boaz isolating himself. Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

3. Why do you think Levi might envy his brother? Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,180 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample