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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 has Russell found?

2. Who does Debbie find lacking in some personal qualities?

3. What part of the festival will Debbie be able to attend even with her job?

4. What drops out of Russell's jacket pocket?

5. Where does the necklace end up next after leaving Russel's pocket and being picked up?

Short Essay Questions

1. What subject does Peter's father approach with Mrs. Bruning and what is her response?

2. What is Mrs. Bruning's response about Debbie, and what does Mrs. Bruning give Debbie?

3. How do Debbie and Peter handle the emergency with Mrs. Bruning?

4. With what is Lenny helping his father in Chapter 16, and what is Debbie doing when she overhears them?

5. What is Peter's father's response to Mrs. Bruning's objections? How are his objections handled?

6. How do both Hector's and Mrs. Bruning's hairstyles change in Chapter 20?

7. How does Debbie's necklace end up in a tar patch after Dan picked it up?

8. What book is Debbie reading in Chapter 22 and what does she think about the book and her life compared to the life of the protagonist in the book?

9. What does Debbie think of Dan Persik?

10. With what class is Patty struggling and what does she feel from the knowledge she has learned in this class?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Over the course of "Criss Cross", Debbie grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. "Criss Cross" might be considered a slice of Debbie's larger story of her "coming of age." It might be said that the book is a "bildungsroman" of Debbie. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Debbie as she changes from a more carefree, innocent girl to a wiser, older teen. What are the significant events that change Debbie?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Debbie's growth throughout the book, do you think "Criss Cross" could be considered Debbie's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "Criss Cross" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Criss Cross". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Perkins chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Perkins chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Perkins's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Perkins use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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