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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 creature does Lindsey say she is similar to when Colin and she are talking in the cave?

2. Who is really buried in the grave that is said to be the Archduke's?

3. Where does Colin go after Lindsey goes to her room?

4. What is there a place in the brain for knowing?

5. What does Lindsey tell Colin she did?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Hassan say he is not going to work that Thursday?

2. Who are the boys supposed to interview the day after the fight?

3. Where do Colin and Lindsey go on their "date"?

4. What will happen between Colin and Lindsey according to Colin's theorem?

5. What has Colin figured out about the supposed Archduke's grave and what is Lindsey's response?

6. Who is Katrina with in the cemetery and what does he do when Hassan and Colin make their presence known?

7. What does Colin continue to work on and how is it going?

8. What happens in the interview with Ms. Mabel?

9. What conversation do Lindsey and Colin overhear when they arrive home?

10. What note does Lindsey leave on Colin's bed and what is her statement about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "An Abundance of Katherines" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "An Abundance of Katherines"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "An Abundance of Katherines" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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