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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 does Hassan propose to Colin's parents?

2. From where did Starnes retire?

3. What does Colin do when he goes into his bathroom after talking to his father?

4. For how long has Starnes lived in Gutshot?

5. What does Colin do as he is waiting on the ground behind the convenience store?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the notebook that Colin sketches in while waiting for the tour guide to return?

2. What does Starnes say when Colin, Hassan and Linsey interview him?

3. How does Colin keep himself awake while driving and why is that ironic?

4. What are Colin and Hassan supposed to do that day and what do they accomplish?

5. What happens when Colin talks to Katherine and what does he do as a result of the conversation?

6. What do Hassan and Colin discuss concerning prodigies and geniuses?

7. Whose grave is advertised when Colin and Hassan decide to exit off the interstate?

8. What happens to Colin as they are following their tour guide behind the store and who helps him?

9. Where does the tour of the famous grave begin and who gives the tour?

10. What do all of Colin's former girlfriends have in common besides having dated Colin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ironically, Colin is a genius, but he is lacking in common sense. For example, he can read the story about the tortoise and the hare, but he does not see the underlying meaning of the story. In another twist of irony, Colin is a genius but he is not socially advanced, so when he starts school, the other kids do not like him, bully him and think he is strange.

1. Discuss reasons it might be ironic that Colin is so smart academically but has no common sense. Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.

2. Discuss ways and events in "An Abundance of Katherines" that demonstrate Colin has few social skills. Use examples from your own life and this story to support your answer.

3. Do you think must geniuses are socially inept? Why or why not? Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Sometimes a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and sometimes it is the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think "An Abundance of Katherines" is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "An Abundance of Katherines" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "An Abundance of Katherines" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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