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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. For what does Ruby thank Olivia?

2. About what does Cora say she feels guilty?

3. What does Ruby discover about Olivia?

4. What is one thing Ruby concentrates on in December?

5. What is Ruby's job when Jaime's family begins to arrive?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ruby learn about her father?

2. For what does Ruby thank Olivia and what is Olivia's reply?

3. What does Nate ask Ruby when she returns his sweatshirt and how does she respond?

4. What does Gervais want when he comes over to Ruby's house on Christmas?

5. What does Ruby learn Harriet has done when Ruby arrives at the kiosk the Friday after Thanksgiving?

6. What is Ruby's December like?

7. What does Nate bring Ruby and what is his response to her questions?

8. What does Ruby do with Jamie on Christmas Eve?

9. What does Cora learn about her and Ruby's mother?

10. What changes have been going on with Gervais?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lock and Key belongs to the young teen novel genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the young teen novel genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a young teen novel and a historical novel mystery?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Lock and Key.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Lock and Key. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Lock and Key. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

After Ruby discovers that Nate is being abused, she is more observant to the signs of abuse. Nate is determined to put on a brave outward face. Nate is nearly an adult and he's athletic. He could fight back but doesn't, and he is determined that no one know about the abuse. This is typical of an abusive relationship. Nate has a sweatshirt of his own with "U Swim" on it, apparently a sweatshirt from the University Swim Team. He tells Ruby the words are his motto and Ruby says she doesn't understand. Nate says the alternative is "U Sink."

1. Discuss, in details, how you think Nate's abuse has helped shape him to be the person he is. Use examples from Lock and Key and your own life to support your reasoning.

2. Discuss reasons you think Nate wants to keep his abuse a secret and what you would say to him if he were your friend. Use examples from Lock and Key and your own life to support your reasoning.

3. Discuss what you think Nate means, literally and symbolically with his sweatshirt. Use examples from Lock and Key and your own life to support your reasoning.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,064 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample