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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 Denise do as she arrives at her new home?

2. How does Dwight react when he learns Denise is gone?

3. Who are Brynna and Katie?

4. Who does Denise call a reprobate?

5. Why does Addie take a book instead of getting on the computer?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why isn't Addie afraid to be home alone?

2. For what does Soula use the board in her store and why doesn't Addie read the things on the board?

3. What does Denise say about the new car she is driving?

4. What happens when Dwight brings the Littles to the trailer?

5. Why is everyone happy for Addie and how does Denise suggest they celebrate?

6. What happens at Addie's tryout for the orchestra?

7. What does Addie notice on the newspaper clipping board at the mini-mart one day?

8. What does Addie do for Halloween?

9. What are the two vocabulary words Addie is learning that day, and why is she learning them?

10. What does Addie say about six steps?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think "Waiting for Normal" is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Waiting for Normal".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Waiting for Normal". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Waiting for Normal". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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