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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. Which characters accompany Willie when he goes to speak to Mr. Samson?

2. According to Willie, why does Jenny Blackburn always win when they race each other on bicycles?

3. What does Willie do to try to help himself get to sleep?

4. How does Willie retaliate after Sal Whitworth hits Johnny?

5. What advice does Big Will give to Willie regarding his poor pass in the last football game?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has Willie changed over the past year?

2. How does Johnny Rivers react to the news that Willie and Jenny are dating?

3. How has Willie's attitude toward Jenny changed since the summer?

4. Why does Lacey bring Willie to see his son?

5. What evidence suggests that Jenny Blackburn is a match for Willie in both athleticism and competitiveness?

6. How has Willie's relationship with his friends changed since his accident?

7. What evidence at the beginning of Chapter 2 suggests that Willie and his father, Big Will, enjoy taking risks?

8. Why does Willie have such a difficult time cheering for Jenny in the basketball game or celebrating with her afterward?

9. Why does Mr. Walker ask Willie to take over the job as team-manager for the girls' basketball team?

10. What explanation does Hawk give to explain why he did not make it to the school on the night of the fire?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Some of the adults in Willie's life are supportive and nurturing, while others are interfere with his development. Analyze the roles that different adults play in Willie's life, and explain how each of these adults plays a part in his development and his healing.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the ways in which Big Will's interest in his son are narcissistic. In what ways does he rely on his son's accomplishments for his own self-worth? How does this perspective affect his relationship with his son? How does Willie's accident, and later disappearance, affect Big Will's sense of self?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Oakland, California and Coho, Montana. What experiences is Willie unprepared for upon his arrival in Oakland, and how does he learn to adapt? Provide evidence from the text to support your observations.

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This section contains 847 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample