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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. Why does Addie wake her mother?

2. What thrills Addie about what she hears Dwight say to Hannah?

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

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

5. What does Dwight say about Addie and Addie says she is not smart?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Addie's Christmas with her mother.

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

3. Who meets Addie at Lake George and why is it okay that her paper bag of clothes breaks?

4. What is Elliot installing in the mini-mart and what does Soula think of it?

5. What does Dwight do when he meets Addie after school on Valentine's Day?

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

7. What does Addie's mommers say when she drives up and what is in the car?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think "Waiting for Normal" is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Waiting for Normal" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading this book? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Waiting for Normal" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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