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. Was Mr. Solovey a friendly man?

2. Why did the author daydream of Mrs. Solovey?

3. What made Mrs. Solovey leave the author's house?

4. Was the author good at handball?

5. When the author read books, he yearned for something. What did he yearn for?

Short Essay Questions

1. The author was given a book and the giver was surprised. Why was she surprised?

2. What did the author write his final high school paper on?

3. How did the author feel during the summer of his first job?

4. There were many things the author liked about David's home. What was the one thing that truly made the house stand out to him?

5. Mr. Solovey wasn't the most likable person in the neighborhood. What didn't people like about him?

6. The author liked to go to the courtyard to hear music, why was there always music in the courtyard?

7. What was it about the Solovey's that had the entire neighborhood intrigued?

8. When the author went to visit a friend in New York who lived in a brownstone, what did he discover?

9. The author read from his prayer book every morning. What were his feelings and experiences?

10. Mrs. Solovey commits suicide late in this section and it shocks the neighborhood. Describe what emotions the neighborhood go through towards the Soloveys.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

During the Jewish Sabbath worship, the author's family did something that was unorthodox. What was that practice and what was it's impact on the family? Explain the emotions and expressions the author's family had.

Essay Topic 2

The author speaks of his connection and disconnect with his faith. In what ways does he feel he had a lack of knowledge of faith and God? Does he feel compelled to continue his observance of the faith? What drives this?

Essay Topic 3

During the Jewish Sabbath the author's mother and the three dressmakers talk of their home and the traditions. What key elements of home do the women discuss and how did those elements differ from the modern society? When the three dressmakers talk of their "freedom" from the traditions of the neighborhood, what are they talking about? What emotion are they searching for and why do the author's parents feel this is an unattainable goal?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 838 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample