View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Yolanda's mother's hair look?

2. What does Yolanda think might be her reward for bravery?

3. How does Yolanda enjoy the first concert?

4. Why does Yolanda have to pull off her scheme without her momma's help?

5. When is Aunt Tiny going to visit?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Yolanda send Shirley away in a cruel manner?

2. Who admires Yolanda standing up to Romulus, and what is Yolanda's response to his admiration?

3. Why does Yolanda not say goodbye to anyone when her family is leaving to go visit Aunt Tiny?

4. Why does Yolanda volunteer to reserve her family's seats for the concert that evening?

5. What happens when Momma finally notices Andrew's new harmonica?

6. How do Yolanda and Andrew play in their concert for Aunt Tiny and Yolanda's momma, and how do the two women respond to the performance?

7. What does Yolanda do when she sees the bullies in Asphalt Hill?

8. How is Andrew responding to the new harmonica and what does Yolanda think will help him?

9. Why is Yolanda unable to listen as the concert opens?

10. What does Momma say in reply to Yolanda saying Andrew is a genius and needs a special school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Yolonda's Genius"--questions that Fenner may wish readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Fenner's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Fenner's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "Yolonda's Genius" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1, and judge if it is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "Yolonda's Genius" a successful novel? What about teens?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,146 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample