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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. Why does Marcus partly blame his mother for the trouble he faces at school?

2. What does Will ask Suzie in Chapter 12?

3. What does Marcus do at Will's apartment in Chapter 15?

4. Where does Marcus want Will to take him and Fiona in Chapter 13?

5. What is Will's last name?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Marcus tries to hang out with some boys in Chapter 5?

2. Why does Marcus blame his mother and teachers for the bullying he faces at school?

3. What does Will almost wish at the SPAT meeting? Why does he almost wish this?

4. What does Marcus find at home in Chapter 11?

5. What does Will think of marriage and children?

6. What does Will find himself looking forward to?

7. What lie does Will tell at the SPAT meeting?

8. What happens after Will ignores Fiona's message in Chapter 14?

9. What frightens Marcus is Chapter 5?

10. How does Will become involved again with Marcus in Chapter 12?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the use of humor in the novel "About a Boy". What are some examples of humor used in the novel? What types of humor does Hornby use? Why might he use humor?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and interpret the secondary characters of the novel. Who are they and what are their defining character traits? How are they related to the protagonists? What are their roles in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Hornby's use of foreshadowing. What are some examples of foreshadowing in the novel? Why does Hornby use foreshadowing?

(see the answer keys)

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