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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. When does Mommers return after going out on Christmas Eve?

2. What has Mommers brought home when she arrives?

3. How long has Denise been gone?

4. What does Addie decide when she wakes for school after Thanksgiving?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Describe Addie's Christmas with her mother.

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

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

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

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

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 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "Waiting for Normal", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "Waiting for Normal". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Waiting for Normal". Questions that Connor most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Connor's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Connor's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Connor and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

(see the answer keys)

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