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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. How many times has this same event occurred to Colin in the past?

2. What does Colin's pre-school tell his parents?

3. What are Hassan and Lindsey doing when Colin joins them?

4. Who is working at the convenience store when Colin and Hassan drop off Lindsey there?

5. What does Hollis want Hassan and Colin to do the next day?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What was Colin's first date with Katherine IXI?

3. When did Colin meet Hassan and to what does Colin relate most of his thoughts?

4. What do Lindsey and Colin discuss before bedtime?

5. Who is waiting for Colin when he gets out of the shower and what do they tell Colin?

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

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

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

9. What does Hollis say Colin and Hassan will do for their job?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "An Abundance of Katherines", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement.) Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "An Abundance of Katherines". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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