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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 Cece respond when Mike tells her that her curly pencil was cool and that he does not know why its destroyer had taken that action?

2. Cece comments that "not one" (118) of the kids on her bus is what?

3. In what month does Cece receive a letter stating who her fifth grade teacher will be?

4. When Cece's mother is on the phone with the person Cece delightedly thinks is Martha, with whom is her mother actually speaking?

5. Once Mr. Potts breaks Cece's microphone, what grades does she imagine earning on her next report card?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the theme of compassion depicted within the scene when Johnnie reluctantly apologizes to Cece for breaking her curly pencil?

2. How does Cece feel about the letter she receives in August that tells her who her fifth grade teacher will be?

3. What happens to break Cece's microphone for her Phonic Ear?

4. What is the author's purpose for including allusions to Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons during Cece's first time visiting Martha's house?

5. Describe Cece's conflicted feelings about Mike's kind treatment.

6. What action does Cece imagine Mike taking when he sees Cece's Phonic Ear for the first time?

7. What is the symbolism of the Hostess cherry pie?

8. How is the theme of tenacity demonstrated in the outcome of Cece's flexed-arm hang test?

9. How does Bell employ suspense within the scenes when Cece is preparing to take her new curly pencil with her to school the next day?

10. How is the theme of trust exemplified within the Wonderful World of Books presentation scene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Trace the characterization arc of Deja's character throughout the novel. Discuss whether she is a round or flat character and whether she is a static or dynamic character.

Essay Topic 2

Choose three specific rules that Cece Bell uses when creating the images in El Deafo, such as her inclusion of bubbled borders around any panel in which Cece is imagining possible events. Then analyze the author's purpose for each of these three rules and discuss their connections to the novel's themes.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the author's choice to represent Cece using an anthropomorphic rabbit. What are the qualities of rabbits that lend themselves to the themes and messages included within El Deafo?

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