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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. Who is the mailroom boy at Nancy's job?

2. How does Nancy remember Margie's name when talking to the police in February?

3. Where do Lew and Nancy's friends have a Halloween party?

4. What medicine does Nancy take for the HIV/AIDS virus?

5. How does Nancy describe her dad's relationship to his business?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Nancy's HIV progressing faster than most cases?

2. Why is Nancy "living in Heaven" at the beginning of February?

3. What is Doodle Day at Nancy's school?

4. What does Nancy think the difference between having sex with Collin and having sex with Lew will be?

5. What did Nancy and her dad do on New Year's Day?

6. What problem does Dorie face that Nancy writes about in January?

7. What happens between Dorie and Fred at the end of February?

8. What does Nancy remember about the kids she thinks she saw Collin with?

9. In the middle of February, how does Nancy know she is feeling better?

10. Why does Nancy go to Liz's office at the beginning of June?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It Happened to Nancy is presented as a non-fiction book told from Nancy's diary and edited by Beatrice Sparks with only identifying details changed. Write a response exploring whether or not the book is truly a work of non-fiction. What elements of the story suggest it is true? Is there anything present in the book that might not be true? Use specific references to the text in the response.

Essay Topic 2

While some identifying details are removed from the book to protect Nancy and her family, the time that the book takes place is important. As Nancy is diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, the knowledge of the disease and treatment options available are more limited than they would be if the story had taken place currently. Write a response explaining how the time period in which the book takes place influences the events of the story. What would be different had the book taken place in current times? Use specific references to the text in the response.

Essay Topic 3

Another "character" in the story is Nancy's Self, which she addresses through her diary. While not a physical being, the Self plays an important role in the story. Write a response exploring the role of Nancy's Self in the story. How does Nancy treat her Self? What does the Self do for Nancy? Use specific references to the text in the response.

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