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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. In Ellen's new life in Chapter 12, who wakes her up every day for school?

2. Why does Ellen's grandmother threaten to break Ellen's hands?

3. What truth does Ellen's grandmother constantly remind Ellen of?

4. What other activities must Ellen do on Sundays in her new home?

5. Where does Ellen's grandmother make Ellen work?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 8, how is the reader once again introduced to the time frame of the novel?

2. Why does Ellen begin signing her papers with the last name Foster?

3. Using details from the text, describe Ellen's shopping system.

4. Using details from the text, describe Ellen and her grandmother's relationship.

5. What are some of the family secrets that Ellen uncovers/discovers while Ellen is living with her grandmother?

6. During Ellen's Christmas stay at Nadine's, what does Ellen hope for?

7. What types of new experiences is Ellen exposed to at her stay with Julia and Roy?

8. Why does Ellen dread the day that Starletta 'forgot about her"?

9. Ellen's grandmother forces Ellen to go to work. Describe Ellen's job duties.

10. Why didn't Dora want to tell Ellen about Dora and Nadine's usual Christmas ritual?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways does addiction manifest itself in Ellen's story? How does Ellen cope with the addiction around her?

Essay Topic 2

Using the details from the text and class discussions, discuss the ways that Ellen trusted and distrusted the people in her weak support system.

Essay Topic 3

The author's use of foreshadowing and flashbacks was prevalent throughout the novel. List 3-5 examples of the author's use of these literary elements and how they were effectively used by the author.

(see the answer keys)

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