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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 performs at the open mic night in Chapter 8?

2. In Chapter 8, where does Sam go for an open mic night?

3. What building does Sam think is especially beautiful near her new neighborhood?

4. What does Ally's boyfriend do for a living?

5. What is one topic Sam is surprised to hear her friend address during her open mic performance?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is going on with Lily, Sam's mother, in Part I?

2. What does Ally think about one day telling Sam about her secret relationship?

3. What does Ally do with her secret boyfriend even though she has been cautioned against it many times?

4. In Chapter 9, how does Sam react to the woman on her porch?

5. Why does MH tell Sam she does open-mic night at the Smiley Face?

6. Why is Clara Loomis problematic as a historical figure?

7. How does Sam afford the house she buys in Part I?

8. What does Spiotta mean when she mentions Sam's "historic house envy" (75)?

9. What does Sam do in the aftermath of the 2016 election that she has not done for a long while?

10. What does Matt seem to think Sam's decision to leave him might really be mostly about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Sam's stroke end up affecting all of her relationships, as well as her own perception of herself and her future? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

How does Spiotta use the conversations Sam has both on social media and in activist groups to develop Sam's character? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

How does Spiotta explain the evolution of Sam's and Ally's relationship over time? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 630 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample