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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 how long does Addie's mom disappear when Addie is nine?

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

3. What does Addie ask Mommers about the money Dwight gave them?

4. Where is Addie's bed in her new space?

5. Who does Dwight call when he learns that Denise was not around?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Addie do for Halloween?

4. Why does Helena have to see the school nurse?

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

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

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

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

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Addie and Denise. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Hannah and Denise. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in "Waiting for Normal" help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

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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