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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 did Andrew not know about what was in his pocket?

2. Why would Andrew not want to do drugs?

3. Why does Yolanda look up the word?

4. What sounds does Andrew like to hear on Asphalt Hill?

5. What is Yolanda doing while Andrew is playing his harmonica near Asphalt Hill?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Andrew's encounter with the drug pushers at Asphalt Hill.

2. Why does Momma decide to move from Chicago?

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

4. How does Andrew become confused when Miss Gilluly shows him a picture of a dog?

5. What does Yolanda go to the library to research and what does she learn?

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

7. What is the other terrible thing that has happened recently?

8. How does Yolanda go about getting Andrew a new harmonica?

9. How does Shirley react to what Yolanda tells her?

10. Why does Yolanda usually add a comment when she answers a question?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think Yolonda's Genius is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not? Do you think "Yolonda's Genius" ends on a happy note? Why or why not.

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Yolonda's Genius" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why this book is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "Yolonda's Genius". 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 human genius in "Yolonda's Genius". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why? What do you think Yolanda would label as genius?

3. Trace and analyze the themes of bullying and prejudice in "Yolonda's Genius". Who are bullies? Who stands up to bullies? Who does not? Why do those who bully do so? Who is prejudice? What type of prejudice? What do you think is the result of Yolanda's prejudice? Who is able to change from being a bully? From prejudice?

(see the answer keys)

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