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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. What does Vic show Andrew?

2. What is Yolanda's mother always pestering her to do?

3. Why doesn't Andrew feel connected to the sounds in the house?

4. How old is Andrew?

5. What was Andrew told would help his Momma?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Yolanda steer Shirley's interest away from talking about jump roping?

2. What does Shirley say about double-dutch that causes Yolanda great discomfort?

3. What does Yolanda yell to Shirley as Yolanda is running out of the house?

4. What is Yolanda thinking about as the novel opens?

5. Why does Momma decide to move from Chicago?

6. Who does Andrew meet when he arrives for his reading lesson?

7. How does Yolanda respond to the cruel comments by the other children on the bus?

8. How is the cake when Yolanda returns from the park with Andrew?

9. What are the skaters at Asphalt Hill's reactions to Andrew's harmonica playing?

10. Where has Yolanda chosen to sit in her classroom and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of "Yolonda's Genius" and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of "Yolonda's Genius" and why?

3. Which three secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Do any of the characters seem unnecessary? Which ones? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols, then trace and analyze their appearance in "Yolonda's Genius". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Fenner chooses the symbols she does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in "Yolonda's Genius". Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Fenner chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Fenner's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Fenner use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme.)

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Yolonda's Genius" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Yolonda's Genius"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Yolonda's Genius" to discuss, and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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