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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 Addie find when she returns home after showing off her hamster?

2. Who are Soula and Elliot?

3. What time does Addie's mother awaken?

4. Why does Addie feel badly when she practices her flute?

5. Who are the Littles?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What does Dwight promise Addie as he is leaving?

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

6. What were the reactions of Dwight and Grandio when they learned about Denise's disappearance when Addie is nine?

7. What does Addie do for Halloween?

8. Where is Addie moving, why and how does she feel about it?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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 "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 3

Over the course of "Waiting for Normal", Addie grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. "Waiting for Normal" might be considered a slice of Addie's larger story, of her "coming of age." It might be said that this novel is a "bildungsroman" of Addie Schmeeter. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Addie as she changes from a more carefree, innocent girl to a wiser young girl. What are the significant events that change Addie?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Addie's growth throughout Waiting for Normal, do you think "Waiting for Normal" could be considered Addie's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "Waiting for Normal" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

(see the answer keys)

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