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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 Dov want to take Abba and the boys?

2. How old are Zim and Levi when they meet?

3. What does Levi hear coming from Boaz's room?

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

5. With whom is Christina going away for the summer?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens as Boaz and Christina return from a walk?

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

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

4. Who comes to spend Shabbat with Levi's family and what is he like?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in The Things a Brother Knows. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in The Things a Brother Knows. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme family in The Things a Brother Knows. Consider family as not only those related by blood but also those related by friendship bonds.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 946 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample