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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. When Dave's mother returns from the zoo, what does she do to him?

2. Who do Dave's brothers bring to the house to see him being punished in Chapter 6, While Father is Away?

3. What contest does Dave win in the fifth grade?

4. How does Dave's mother feel after she stabs him?

5. What does Dave promise himself he will do if he comes out of his situation alive?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 6, While Father is Away, what does Dave's father vow he will do for Dave someday?

2. Describe how Dave is treated by the rest of the family when his mother is in the hospital delivering his new brother.

3. How does Dave feel about life in America, as outlined in the Epilogue?

4. Dave goes to his father for help after being stabbed. What is his father's reaction?

5. Explain why Dave's mother gives him roller skates for Christmas.

6. Describe what Dave has to do while the rest of the family eats in the summer of 1971.

7. Describe the incident where Dave is stabbed by his mother.

8. Describe the one time Dave had his prayers answered.

9. As Dave enters fifth grade, what is his frame of mind?

10. Summarize the forms of punishment Dave expects to receive as he turns 11-years-old.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Summarize the events in the book that lead Dave to calling his mother's house, 'The Madhouse'. Give several examples from the book and describe how these events are considered insane by Dave.

Essay Topic 2

Describe how Dave's family celebrates the holidays during the good times.

- Cite examples from the story of how they decorate the house, the gifts that are exchanged, and the foods that are served.

- Compare the holidays in the good times to Dave's holidays as the book progresses.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the book, Dave's mother reveals her coldness and cruelty toward Dave.

- Summarize how her attitude toward Dave reflects the attitudes of the rest of the family. Cite examples from the story.

- How does she brainwash Dave's brothers and father not to acknowledge Dave's abusive situation?

(see the answer keys)

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