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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. The first time that Elizabeth remembers that Sasha went with a busboy, what time did he bring her back to Elizabeth's apartment?

2. What grew outside the house where Elizabeth lived when she was 19?

3. Before Elizabeth leaves the last class she teaches in Chapter 1, what does she catch a student doing on her phone?

4. Where did Elizabeth and Sasha get ice cream when they were 19 and 20?

5. In Chapter 1, what time does Elizabeth's alarm go off on weekedays?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the beginning of Chapter 2, what are Elizabeth's thoughts about running?

2. What is discussed during a work meeting in Chapter 2, and why does Elizabeth not speak up during the meeting?

3. What does Elizabeth think of her co-teacher?

4. In Chapter 2, what things does Elizabeth keep private when she talks to her co-homeroom teachers?

5. How does Elizabeth spend Sunday, the day her husband works?

6. What does Elizabeth find different about what is taken for granted about her students and what was taken for granted about her and other students at her white, and wealthy public school?

7. In Chapter 2, why does Elizabeth skip a run, and what does she try to do instead?

8. Why does the principal call Elizabeth into a meeting in Chapter 3?

9. What type of students does Elizabeth teach in her night class?

10. Who is Kayla, and why does Elizabeth have to look for her in Chapter 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Elizabeth and Sasha both struggle with motherhood when they first become mothers. Why do Elizabeth and Sasha both struggle with motherhood when they first become mothers? How do they come to the realization that motherhood is difficult but rewarding.

Essay Topic 2

Josslyn is murdered. How does Elizabeth feel about Josslyn’s murder? How does she grieve and why?

Essay Topic 3

Flashbacks are a literary device used to provide information about events that took place before the story began. How does the author use flashbacks in the novel? How does the author’s choice to use flashbacks affect the plot?

(see the answer keys)

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