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. What does Tony say was Maxine's reason for getting drunk?

2. What is hanging over Maxine's windows?

3. What is Vernon eating when Maxine finds him?

4. What does Maxine get for Ronald to drink just before she leaves home?

5. What happens when Vernon tries out for the junior high baseball team?

Short Essay Questions

1. In chapter eight, Vernon describes seeing Ronald "change" when he becomes less fearful. What is this change and what's the result of it?

2. What happens when Vernon takes the potatoes back to Maxine's house?

3. Why does Vernon begin performing the magic trick for Ronald?

4. What does Vernon note about Miss Annie's house the first time he goes inside?

5. How does the question of the Special Olympics come up?

6. Why is Vernon particularly worried about being held back?

7. What are the kids saying about Vernon spending time at Miss Annie's in chapter eight?

8. Why does Miss Marlow say she's visiting?

9. What are the tasks Vernon, Maxine and Ronald do to clean up Maxine's yard?

10. What does Miss Annie ask Vernon to do in return for her tutoring services and what is Vernon's reaction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Vernon should have been very happy when Ronald tries to talk but he's suddenly frightened because of all the changes that are happening. What are some of the other changes occurring in Vernon's life and what are his reactions? Who does he turn to for help?

Essay Topic 2

What does Vernon learn about Jerry's brother, John? Why do you believe Jerry didn't tell Vernon about John earlier? Where does Vernon meet John? Describe John.

Essay Topic 3

Vernon initially tries to hide the fact that he's spending time with Maxine, Ronald and Miss Annie. Why? What are some of the things he does to try to keep his activities secret? Does he succeed? Should he have tried to hide?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 806 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample