View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The author describes Hennessy Youngman in Chapter 2, saying that "He advises black artists to cultivate" what?

2. What does the author claim that moaning elicits in Chapter 4?

3. What word in Chapter 4 refers to a contemplative person?

4. What tennis superstar expressed his shock that Serena Williams was able to hold it together after losing the semifinal match in the 2004 Women's U.S. Open?

5. What women's basketball team was insulted by the commentary of a radio host in 2007 during a discussion of the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship?

Short Essay Questions

1. What symbolism can be seen in Chapter 4?

2. What is signified and alluded to by the picture of the Rutgers women's basketball team in Chapter 3?

3. What theme stands out in Chapter 3?

4. What symbolism can be seen in the imagery in Chapter 1?

5. How does the author describe Serena Williams in Chapter 4?

6. Who is Hennessy Youngman and what is discussed regarding him in Chapter 2?

7. What theme predominates Chapter 2 of Citizen: An American Lyric?

8. How does the author illustrate the differences between white and black experiences in Chapter 3?

9. What theme predominates Chapter 1 of Citizen: An American Lyric?

10. Who is Franz Fanon and why does the author cite him in Chapter 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the events surrounding Trayvon Martin's death. Who killed Trayvon Martin? How was his death presented by the media? What impacts did Martin's death have on race relations in America?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of the pain of prejudice in Citizen: An American Lyric. How does the author develop this theme through symbolism and imagery? How is it developed through the scenarios presented by the author?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the images reproduced in Citizen: An American Lyric. How does the inclusion of these images help to support the book's themes? What impact do the images have on you as a reader? What symbolism is seen in the images?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 761 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample