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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 on Monday morning when Addie is leaving for school?

2. What is wrong with Soula?

3. What does Denise do as she arrives at her new home?

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

5. Why does Addie think she blew it when she was nine by telling Dwight Denise wasn't home?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Denise look when Addie returns home and what does Denise tell Addie?

2. What does Addie notice about her surroundings in her new home?

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

4. How does Addie learn about Soula's illness?

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

6. Who does Addie meet at the mini-mart and what does the person tell Addie?

7. How does Addie learn that Soula and Elliot are not romantically involved?

8. Why does Denise begin yelling at Dwight when they are talking outside the trailer one day?

9. What does Addie say about six steps?

10. What does Mommers say when she finally arrives home at 2 a.m.?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Addie's mother has a way of saying things to her daughter that are unkind. Addie accepts these comments as truth and doesn't seem to question them. Addie is scared when she finds that Soula is so sick and she isn't sure what to do. However, it is apparent that being with Addie brings Soula great joy and comfort. Addie is terrified of what might happen if her mother doesn't come home. She doesn't seem to be concerned about safety, but more about the problems that will be caused if her mother stays away.

1. Discuss the ways in which Denise is unkind in what she says to Addie. Use examples from "Waiting for Normal" and your own life to support your answer.

2. Why do you think Addie believes what her mother says about her as truth? What are some of the ways that Addie behaves that seems to contradict what her mother says about her? Use examples from "Waiting for Normal" and your own life to support your answer.

3. Given that she is constantly having to take care of her mother and her mother is often unkind to her, why do you think Addie is so afraid her mother won't come home? Use examples from "Waiting for Normal" and your own life to support your answer.

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 "Waiting for Normal", 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 "Waiting for Normal". (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)

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