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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 can Will not find a polite way out of in Chapter 22?

2. What happens between Will and Rachel that he doesn't expect in Chapter 30?

3. What is there a marked difference between in Chapter 22?

4. What makes Ellie cry in Chapter 29?

5. What does Ellie make for Marcus in Chapter 25?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Will confess to Rachel in Chapter 28?

2. What happens outside a news agent in Chapter 27?

3. What does the reader learn about Ellie's mother in Chapter 25?

4. What does Will tell Marcus in Chapter 20 when Marcus tells Will about his run-in with Ellie?

5. Why does Marcus become angry at Ellie in Chapter 29?

6. Describe the Christmas dinner in Chapter 22.

7. Who is Ellie? What do Ellie and Marcus talk about in Chapter 19?

8. What disappoints Marcus in Chapter 29?

9. Why does Will feel hesitant about helping Fiona in Chapter 30?

10. What deal do Marcus and Will make in Chapter 26?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the character Will. Who is Will and what are his defining character traits? How does he influence the life of the other protagonist, Marcus? Is he a good friend? How does he grow as a character by the end of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss depression and suicide as depicted in the novel "About a Boy". Why does Fiona attempt suicide? How does her depression and attempted suicide impact Marcus? How is Kurt Cobain's suicide and depression depicted in the novel?

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