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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. What does Boaz suggest Levi does?

2. What does the man say happens when a girl becomes a girlfriend?

3. What does the man say that upsets Levi?

4. Where does Levi and the others go after the rally?

5. Why does Levi stop at a Chinese restaurant?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Levi surprised when they arrive at Celine's aunt's house in Edgewood?

2. What does Levi calculate and decide to do?

3. What story does Boaz tell the crowd at the Vietnam Memorial?

4. Where do Boaz and Levi first go when they arrive in the Washington, D.C. area and who do they visit?

5. Why have Zim and Pearl shown up at the motel room in Philadelphia?

6. Why does Levi shave his head?

7. How does Boaz act towards Levi at dinner after Levi confronts Boaz and what happens the next morning?

8. Where does Levi go when he splits off from Jack and Boaz and who does he meet?

9. What do Levi and Boaz find at their stop in Riverside, New Jersey?

10. Describe Levi's conversation with Christina.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Dana Reinhardt.

2. What in Reinhardt's background may have helped her in writing The Things a Brother Knows? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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