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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. Who has made their homes in the area of Coven Tree for decades?

2. How is Adam described?

3. How does Polly avoid making croaking noises the next day at school?

4. About what does Henry talk to Mr. Jervis?

5. Where is Polly playing with her friends?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rowena hear in the woods and what does she find?

2. What does Rowena take Henry for breakfast and how does he like it?

3. What does each story chronicle?

4. What does Polly resolve to do concerning Agatha and Eunice, and how is her first attempt disastrous?

5. What does Polly realize has happened?

6. What does Polly worry about the next morning and how is she initially reassured?

7. What does Rowena do with her card and what does she notice on her calendar?

8. With whom does Polly play near the river and how are her friends described?

9. What does Polly decide about her card and what happens?

10. About what does Polly begin to worry and what does she decide to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "The Wish Giver". Questions that Brittain most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Brittain' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Brittain' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Brittain and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

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 (most?) 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 Wish Giver" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Wish Giver 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, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

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

2. Analyze and discuss "The Wish Giver" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if "The Wish Giver" 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 Wish Giver a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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