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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. With what is Patty struggling?

2. What kind of song does Hector compose when he sees the worms on the sidewalk?

3. What does Debbie see Lenny doing in his backyard?

4. What has Hector forgotten?

5. What is Lenny doing with his father in Chapter 16:

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Hector find Meadow, and why is he embarrassed?

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

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

4. What happens when Debbie comes to Mrs. Bruning's house on Saturday immediately after Mrs. Bruning awakens?

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

6. What has Debbie convinced her mother of, and what does she find in her mother's mementos box?

7. What does Peter call his grandmother and why is he at her house?

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 are Debbie and Patty doing while looking at the yearbook and what is Debbie thinking about when she looks at her own picture in the yearbook?

10. Who is at the Tastee Freez when the guitar lesson group arrives there and how does Hector feel about the class going to the Tastee Freez?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and sometimes it is the other way around. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think "Criss Cross" is? Explain your response.

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

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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