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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 deadline does the thief give for his demands to be met?

2. Where are Petra and Calder sitting at the opening to Chapter Sixteen?

3. What does Petra feel about her thoughts the next morning?

4. Why does Ms. Hussey not come to school?

5. About what does Mrs. Sharpe seem pleased?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Petra and Calder run out of Delia Dell Hall and what do they decide to do?

2. Who is chasing Petra and Calder and what happens?

3. What hypothetical question does Ms. Hussey ask the Calder and Petra and what is their response?

4. How do Petra and Calder manage to have access to some of the hidden areas of the school?

5. What do Calder and Petra wonder as they sit in Gracie Hall?

6. What does Petra find near Mrs. Sharpe's home?

7. Where does Calder manage to be left behind and what does he find?

8. What do Petra and Calder learn on the evening news?

9. What happens when Petra enters her kitchen the next morning?

10. Where does Petra find Calder and the painting?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Chasing Vermeer". Questions that Balliett most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Balliett's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Balliett's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Balliett and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

Essay Topic 2

Calder plays with his pentominoes in his room; they help him think. He is contemplating the assignment given by Ms. Hussey. What is art? To him art is something puzzling. Calder researches Vermeer and notices that he uses the same objects in many of his paintings. He also wonders if there is any hidden information in his paintings.

1. Why do you think Calder might think art is puzzling? Use examples from "Chasing Vermeer" and your own life to support your answer.

2. It is logical that Vermeer might use the same objects in many of his paintings. Explain why this might be true. Use examples from "Chasing Vermeer" and your own life to support your answer.

3. What do think Calder means when he wonders if Vermeer's art has hidden information in it? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

The art information given in Chapter 3 encourages young readers to be interested in art and its connection to literature. This chapter is an example of teaching across curriculum and how various school subjects are related. Ms. Hussey gives the students a quote by Picasso regarding how are tells a lie but also tells the truth.

1. Discuss the ways in which art and history are connected. Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

2. Explain what is meant by teaching across curriculum. Use examples from "Chasing Vermeer" and your own life to support your answer.

3. Choose one of the following pairs of school subjects and explain, in detail, how they are connected in real life. Math/English; Science/History; Art/Social Studies or Math/Music.

(see the answer keys)

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