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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 does Joyce encourage Ava to do about Eddie and him going to jail?

2. What does Ava envy about Joyce and Mitch?

3. What do Eddie, Joyce and Ava do about the baby Joyce brought home?

4. Why does Ava think Eddie is so easygoing and graceful?

5. How does Ava see the difference in the condition of homes in the area near the lake from the last time she was there?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ava notice about Joyce when they greet each other and what does she think about it?

2. What does Eddie do about Frank and Mattie?

3. What do Eddie and Ava want Joyce to do and how do they try to convince her?

4. How does Ava feel when leaving church?

5. What does Ava see and do at Eddie's house?

6. Why did the Sewing Circus meeting a Joyce's house go so well?

7. What does Ava think about the lifestyle that gave her HIV and for what does she grieve?

8. What do Joyce and Ava mean by the word tumbling and how did it that meaning come about?

9. What is the best thing that happens in Eddie, Joyce and Ava's life that summer?

10. How does Joyce feel about Reverend Anderson's stand and what does she intend?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After all the lessons and social commentary throughout the book, the author finishes with the most hopeful one of all: the fact that there are possibilities for new beginnings.

1. What do you think is meant by this statement? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. Describe a new beginning you or someone you know has had. Show how it might relate to the characters in this book.

3. Why do you think beginning a new path in life takes courage? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Two themes present themselves in these chapters: adversity and ignorance.

1. Explain what you think this statement means. Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. What do you think are the best ways to change people who are ignorant about social issues? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Do you think Reverend Anderson's behavior in kicking Joyce from the church room reflects a harmful or helpful attitude on the part of a minister? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Gerry Anderson's returning the AIDS pamphlets symbolizes the ignorance and denial of many who would be in a position to help and possibly save lives.

1. What do you think is meant by this statement? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think AIDS education should be taught to high school students? Why or why not?

3. What do you think is the best way for young people to learn about and avoid AIDS?

(see the answer keys)

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