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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. For what reason is Helena told to talk to the school nurse?

2. Who are Brynna and Katie?

3. What does Denise ask Addie about Soula and Elliot?

4. Who are the Littles?

5. What does Denise say Dwight lacked?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What does Denise say to Addie as she prepares to take Piccolo over to the mini-mart, and what is the effect of Denise's question?

5. How does Denise feel about the trailer and why?

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

7. How have things changed since Mommers begins to work for Pete?

8. What does Addie do for Halloween?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 "Waiting for Normal" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Waiting for Normal" 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 2

Characters are an important part of what makes Waiting for Normal interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Addie. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Denise. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Dwight. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "Waiting for Normal". 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 honesty in "Waiting for Normal". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to have a difficult time telling the truth? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of family in "Waiting for Normal". What is family to some of the major characters? Why is family important? Who needs a normal family? Who wants a normal family? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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