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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. Who is Pat Conroy's only friend in the administration?

2. In Chapter 12, who does Pat Conroy label "predictably mediocre?"

3. What animal moves into Pat Conroy's house in Chapter 8?

4. In Chapter 8, the administration fights with Pat Conroy about what?

5. Jasper is confused by what, at the end of Chapter 10?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Pat Conroy realize at the end of Chapter 8?

2. Why were some people in Washington D.C. surprised by the children of Yamacraw Island?

3. In Chapter 8, why does the administration refuse to let Pat Conroy speak at the school board meeting?

4. Why does Pat Conroy allow teachers from the mainland into his classroom?

5. Why is domestic violence common on the island?

6. Why does Pat Conroy want to get along with Mrs. Brown?

7. Why do the people on Yamacraw Island drink?

8. Why is Mrs. Brown against the kids taking a trip to Washington D.C.?

9. Why does Pat Conroy get fired at the beginning of Chapter 11?

10. How is Mrs. Brown affected by the power of being principal?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a personality portrait of Pat Conroy.

1) What does he look like physically?

2) What is his history?

2) What does he plan to accomplish at Yamacraw?

Essay Topic 2

Based on the final chapters of "The Water is Wide," examine the racism of those running the educational system in South Carolina.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay supporting or refuting the following statement, citing examples from the text: When Pat Conroy tries to keep the peace with Mrs. Brown at the school, he is doing the children a disservice.

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