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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. Where does Hector live in relation to Debbie?

2. What does Debbie think would help in choosing a mate?

3. What is the radio show's format?

4. What does Lenny still like to share with anyone who will listen?

5. What does Hector vow?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is taking lessons with Hector at the church?

2. What will Debbie, Phil and the others be studying at school?

3. Why are Debbie and Patty hiding in the bushes?

4. Where is Lenny being steered in school, how does he manifest this in his life outside of school and what habit does he pick up?

5. What does Debbie see in her sister's magazine, and what does she think about when she sees it?

6. How do Debbie and Patty get their pants to look the way they want?

7. What is Hector's main concern this summer?

8. What experience does Debbie get with mechanical work?

9. What are Debbie and Patty discussing in Chapter Ten and what is their question?

10. How does Debbie experience a response to physical contact with Hector?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast two main characters of "Criss Cross". How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Debbie and another female character. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in "Criss Cross" help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an important part of what makes "Criss Cross" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Debbie. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Hector. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Dan Persik. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Criss Cross" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Criss Cross" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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