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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 was Denise unwilling to do in the past concerning Addie?

2. What does Addie tell Hannah Addie once did?

3. To what does Addie wake up?

4. Where does Dwight say he and the Littles have moved?

5. What does Denise say to Addie as Addie is bringing in the third load of laundry?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Addie back out of playing at the concert?

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

3. Describe Addie's Christmas with her mother.

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

5. What does Grandio give Addie and how does she react?

6. What business does Hannah have and how do the girls help Hannah in the business?

7. How does Addie react when she finds Hannah making breakfast the next morning?

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

9. How does Addie compare herself to Brynna and what is Dwight's response?

10. What does Denise say about Addie visiting Grandio and Dwight's family over Thanksgiving?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Addie wants to dislike Hannah, but she can't. She thinks it is unfair that Hannah now has a connection with Dwight and the Littles, a connection that should be hers. She is happy that Dwight has found happiness, but is concerned about being left behind. Addie is also upset when Grandio makes unkind comments about her mother in front of Hannah. Seeing that Dwight, Hannah and the girls have a normal bedtime routine is strange for Addie. She is used to being the person in charge of the girls, which is her usual role in the family. It seems that Addie now has no role and she feels out of place. Hannah clearly tries to give her reassurance by allowing her to change Katie and by laughing about Brynna with her.

1. Discuss the reasons that Addie might want to dislike Hannah. Use examples from "Waiting for Normal" and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think Addie's feelings of being left out is normal? Why or why not? Use examples from "Waiting for Normal" and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss the ways in which Addie might be affected throughout her life by having to take on too much responsibility as such as young person. Use examples from "Waiting for Normal" and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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