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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 Lenny still like to share with anyone who will listen?

2. Towards what is Lenny's school career being steered?

3. What does Hector wonder about his music teacher?

4. How is Rowanne described?

5. What animal do both Debbie and Hector think about in relation to life and others?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kind of book is Debbie reading, and what does she think about the book and its relevance to her life?

2. Where does Hector live in relation to Debbie, who is his sister and how does he feel about her?

3. What does Debbie think about how one should say a wish?

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. Why are Debbie and Patty hiding in the bushes?

6. How does Debbie get sunburned, and who was she with when it happens?

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

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

9. What has Hector began to do and what compromise with his parents is involved?

10. Where does Rowanne take Hector, and what interests him there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Lenny, who probably has one of the most inquisitive minds and who has obviously absorbed much from voracious reading, will not pursue college. He is tracked toward a technical career, because he happens to be skilled using his hands. The others, less agile, have been tracked toward college. Specific interests, such as Hector's unfolding musical talent will perhaps point him in a path far different from his friends. Debbie and Patty demonstrate great insights, as they discuss the impact of one's environment on what he or she ultimately becomes and the growth or decline that may accompany adversity.

1. Do you think Lenny's treatment by the school is a good use of his mind? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. Is it realistic for a teenager to believe a special talent such as musical or athletic will enable him or her to earn a living as an adult given the few numbers of musicians who make it big or number of athletes who make it to the pros? Explain your reasoning. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss your opinion on Debbie's conclusion that environment will greatly shape her life. Do you believe this is true for her? Do you believe this is true for all people? Why or why not?

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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