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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 Colin say genius is?
2. What does Hollis want Hassan and Colin to do the next day?
3. What has just happened to Colin?
4. How long does Colin spend alone in his room?
5. What is Colin Singleton doing at the opening of the novel?
Short Essay Questions
1. Who is waiting for Colin when he gets out of the shower and what do they tell Colin?
2. What is the notebook that Colin sketches in while waiting for the tour guide to return?
3. What does Hassan propose to Colin's parents and what do they reply?
4. What does Colin decide to do while waiting for dinner?
5. Why does Colin call his mother?
6. What do Lindsey and Colin discuss before bedtime?
7. What happens to Colin as they are following their tour guide behind the store and who helps him?
8. What are Colin and Hassan supposed to do that day and what do they accomplish?
9. Who is in the convenience store when Colin and Hassan return from the grave and what does the person say to Colin?
10. What was Colin's first date with Katherine IXI?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:
1. Compare/contrast the characters of Colin and Hassan. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.
2. Compare/contrast the characters of Lindsey and Hollis. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?
3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in "An Abundance of Katherines" help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.
Essay Topic 2
Hassan is a symbol of what is normal conversation for the average person, so that Colin knows what is appropriate to talk about and what makes people look at him as if there is something wrong with him. Colin relates his inability to see what the future holds with his nearsightedness. While Colin is only 17, he believes that he is past the prime in his life because most prodigies peak at 12 or 13. This thought process reinforces that Colin does not see what is in front of him, the life out there he has left to experience, because he is so focused on his lack of living up to being a prodigy.
1. Do you think it is possible to learn how to talk to people from observing a friend? Why or why not? Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.
2. Discuss the symbolism of Colin's nearsightedness and him not being able to see not only the future but what is normal behavior in a group of his peers. Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.
3. How might not being able to live up to an example, whether it is being a prodigy, or to any older brother or sister or parents' expectations can affect a person emotionally. Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.
Essay Topic 3
Discuss the following:
1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?
2. Analyze and discuss "An Abundance of Katherines" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if this is a successful novel.
3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "An Abundance of Katherines" a successful novel? What about young teens?
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This section contains 1,038 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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