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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. How does Hector pay for the lessons?

2. Where are Debbie and Patty hiding?

3. What is one thing Debbie and Patty wonder?

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

5. What do Debbie and Patty want their jeans to be like?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What happens as Debbie is saying the final words of her wish?

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

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

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

6. Where is Debbie invited in Chapter Four and what does she do there and with whom does she do it?

7. Why was Lenny's childhood not indicative of the path he appears to be taking?

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

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

10. What does Debbie learn from Lenny and how did that come about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Lynne Rae Perkins.

2. What in Perkins's background may have helped her in writing "Criss Cross"? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Criss Cross".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Criss Cross". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Criss Cross". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Criss Cross". Questions that Perkins most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Perkins' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Perkins' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Perkins and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

(see the answer keys)

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