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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. How does Yolanda try to make up her rudeness to Shirley?

2. What does Andrew play for the store owner?

3. Why does Yolanda say Shirley cannot learn to double dutch?

4. To whom else does Yolanda want to say goodbye?

5. What does Yolanda volunteer to do the day of the concert?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What "epiphany" does Yolanda have when she is at the park?

4. Describe the exchange between Yolanda and Shirley in school concerning the jump rope.

5. What does Momma want Yolanda to study in college and what are Yolanda's ambitions?

6. What happens that gives Yolanda an idea about how to get back stage?

7. How does Yolanda feel after Shirley leaves and what does she say to her aunt Tiny about Shirley?

8. What does Aunt Tiny do for a living, and how does that help Yolanda's family?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

In most fiction, readers would like all the loose ends to be neatly "tied up." Discuss the following:

1. Do you think "Yolonda's Genius" is successful as a learning tool? Why or why not.

2. What about this book would motivate you to read another of Carol Fenner's western novels? What would discourage you from doing so?

3. Were all the "loose ends" satisfactorily settled for you? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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