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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. Why is Dr. George saddened?

2. From whom did Grace learn about Richard's ALS diagnosis?

3. The type of ALS Richard has is called what?

4. To whom does Richard write letters on the computer?

5. After taking a walk following the Christmas holiday, Karina comes home to find what alarm going off?

Short Essay Questions

1. What offer does Elise make as Karina, Elise, and Grace take a morning walk? How does Grace help this plan?

2. Who is Tommy and what information does Richard learn from him?

3. What happens when Karina first sees Richard writing a letter to his father? How does Richard respond?

4. After moving back in with Karina, where does Richard stay? What is notable about this room?

5. What does Richard think about Karina's talent and career?

6. What is makowiec, and what happens when Richard asks to sample some?

7. How did moving to Boston impact Richard and Karina? What does Richard think about the move?

8. How does Grace learn of Richard's diagnosis?

9. After moving back in with Karina, how does Richard spend his time?

10. How does Karina prepare for Christmas Eve?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role of music as it pertains to the lives or Richard and Karina.

Essay Topic 2

Who is Alexander Lynch and what role does he play in Karina’s development? How would her development change (or not) had Lynch not been included in the story?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the author’s choice to tell this story by using alternating perspectives. How does viewing the action through the eyes of both Richard and Karina affect the story? How would the book be different if the story was told through just one of their perspectives?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 697 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample