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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 is Empty Acre?

2. What is Elliot doing when Addie finds him?

3. What does Soula say is her relationship to Elliot?

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

5. Who confronts Addie after she has her tryout with Ms. Rivera?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Waiting for Normal". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Connor chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Connor chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Connor's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Connor use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

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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