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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. What does Ms. Rivera ask Addie?

4. What does Hannah plan to do with her home?

5. What does Addie give her mother for Christmas?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. About what does Addie reminisce when she arrives at Grandio's?

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

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

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 Denise say about Addie visiting Grandio and Dwight's family over Thanksgiving?

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

9. What happens with the box of chocolates?

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

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "Waiting for Normal". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of honesty in "Waiting for Normal". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to have a difficult time telling the truth? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of family in "Waiting for Normal". What is family to some of the major characters? Why is family important? Who needs a normal family? Who wants a normal family? Why?

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

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "Waiting for Normal" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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