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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 Yolanda suggest to her mother about Andrew?

2. Why is Yolanda upset about what Stoney Buxton tells her?

3. How does Yolanda feel as she is waiting at the concert that night?

4. How does Shirley respond to Yolanda's attempt to make up?

5. What does Yolanda do at Grant Park?

Short Essay Questions

1. What idea does Momma bring up while they are traveling that disturbs Yolanda?

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

3. What happens when Yolanda notices three men eying her momma?

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

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

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

7. What disturbs Yolanda about how Aunt Tiny fixes Yolanda's mother's hair?

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

9. What happens when Yolanda and Andrew visit Stellers music store?

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

1. What is foreshadowing? How many incidences of foreshadow are in "Yolonda's Genius"? How does foreshadowing contribute to a book's suspense?

2. Discuss an example of foreshadowing in this story, including why you believe it is foreshadowing. Include examples from the book and your own life to illustrate your answer.

3. How do you think most people react to uncertainty in their lives? Use examples from "Yolonda's Genius" and your own live to support your opinion.

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?

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