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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. In Chapter 13, where had Alex visited a church that had an effect on her?

2. In Chapter 4, who is the counselor at camp who approaches Avery?

3. In Chapter 11, which unexpected object does Alex tell her mother looks sexy?

4. In Chapter 12, what is the main reason Barbra breaks it off with her fiance?

5. In Chapter 1, what do Barbra and Victor have an unusual number of in their home?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 12, what activity does Barbra do daily and compulsively?

2. In Chapter 12, what does Victor tell Alex and Gary when they are upset after their grandmother's death?

3. In Chapter 12, what does Barbra remember the most about her own father?

4. In Chapter 11, what does Alex think of her parents' move to New Orleans?

5. In Chapter 6, what is Sadie upset about concerning her father?

6. In Chapter 12, what does Barbra's friend Cora tell her about how to entice Victor more?

7. In Chapter 12, when does Barbra first begin to realize Victor has abusive tendencies?

8. In Chapter 11, what does Barbra ask Alex to do with Victor?

9. In Chapter 12, what prompts Barbra to break off her engagement with Bernie?

10. In Chapter 2, why has Alex given up on her parents years ago?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay comparing and contrasting Alex's relationship with her daughter Sadie and Twyla's relationship with her daughter Avery, citing specific references to the text to help support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

What does Twyla's family farm in Alabama symbolize for her, and how is the way she feels on the farm different from how she feels in either Los Angeles or New Orleans? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Although Alex and her mother, Barbra, do not have a close or easy-going relationship, they do have some moments of real tenderness and affection. Write an essay exploring the range and nuances of feelings Alex and Barbra experience in their mother-daughter relationship.

(see the answer keys)

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