View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Ram and Antonia are introduced, what does Ram say about Antonia?

2. What is the dress like that Jazz's mother bought for her to wear to the competition?

3. What is the name of the author of Define Normal?

4. What does Jazz think about Antonia's brothers?

5. Tillie says their empty house feels like what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Antonia and Jazz decide to do to give Mrs. Bartoli a lesson on stereotyping?

2. Explain why Jazz never wants to play the polonaise again.

3. As nice as the Abeytas are, how does Antonia feel about staying at their house?

4. Several times throughout the book, the term "ya-ya" is used with reference to Antonia. What is the significance of this term?

5. Explain Jazz's head art.

6. Who is Ram and why is he important to the story?

7. Why does Jazz's mother call the police on Jazz and her friends?

8. Why does Jazz feel guilty about her friends hearing her play?

9. Explain why Antonia tells Jazz that her foster family are ugly, evil little gones who keep them locked up?

10. Why does Jazz think Antonia might not want to be seen with her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define Normal was a finalist for the National Book Award. Describe this award, and then give specific examples of ways that this book fits into the criteria of a National Book Award nominee. At the end of your definition and description, include a statement as to whether or not you think the book is worthy of this award.

Essay Topic 2

The Abeytas are a kind, compassionate, loving people who provide a foster home for Antonia and her brothers. Discuss Antonia's reactions to the Abeytas. Compare and contrast Antonia's reactions to the reactions of her brothers.

Essay Topic 3

Stereotyping by appearance is a theme that runs throughout the novel, Define Normal. Select three different examples of stereotyping in the novel and discuss how each example affects the life of at least one character.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 942 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample