View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is in the package Soula gives Addie to open at home?

2. Where is Hannah's home located?

3. Why does Denise tell Addie to be sure to take the right bus home?

4. What does Addie tell Hannah Addie once did?

5. Why does Addie invite Hannah to sit by the fire after dinner?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mommers say that completely dumbfounds Addie when Addie is talking to Mommers?

2. How does Hannah sum up her past to Addie?

3. How does Addie "check out" Hannah?

4. Describe the conversation between Addie and Ms. Rivera.

5. What does Dwight tell Addie that Addie has mixed feelings about the news?

6. What conversation does Addie overhear the night before she is leaving and how does she feel?

7. What does Addie tell Mommers about the flute and how does Denise respond?

8. What is the dress like that Mommers buys Addie for her recital and what is Addie's response?

9. What makes Addie sad when she witnesses Dwight and Hannah putting the Littles to bed?

10. What do Soula and Elliot give Addie for Christmas and what is Addie's response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Leslie Connor.

2. What in Connor's background may have helped her in writing "Waiting for Normal"? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,125 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample