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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. From whom might Lucinda have learned any knowledge about the hidden world?

2. Who is Lucinda?

3. What does Jared want to ask Lucinda?

4. Why does Jared spit out the water he drank?

5. Where does Jared say the things Lucinda's father used to make might be?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Lucinda feel about Thimbletack and what does she show the children in connection with him?

2. Who is taking the children to see Lucinda and what does Mallory say about the cookies they are taking?

3. What does Mallory ask Jared to do in the kitchen, what does she do when he ignores her and what happens when he finally does her request?

4. What does the asylum look like?

5. How does Simon feel about Mallory's idea on the guide but what does he agree is the result of the guide? Why does he agree with Mallory?

6. What does Lucinda say happened with her when her father left?

7. Why does Lucinda say nothing of the house matters and what surprises Jared about Lucy's mother?

8. What does Helen do when the family enters Lucinda's room and what does Helen tell Lucinda?

9. What does Mallory tell Jared about the Field Guide and what do they do then?

10. What does Jared check his backpack for and how does he feel after he checks it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think Lucinda's Secret is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

Following the path of their Uncle frustrates Jared when Simon refuses to explain why he appears to be backtracking on the path. Mallory continues to follow without question and when Jared finally tries to ask Simon where they are going, Simon snaps at Jared. While Simon is under a spell, his angry words show that he is sometimes resentful of Jared's need to be in charge all the time and somewhat jealous of Jared who seems to always be able to find a solution to a problem.

1. Why do you think Simon ignoring Jared was frustrating to Jared? Do you think most people become frustrated when they are ignored? Why or why not? Use examples from Lucinda's Secret and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think Simon was ignoring Jared because of a spell or did the spell simply cause him to do what he would like to do when he is himself? Do you think Simon resents Jared always trying to be in charge of a situation? Why or why not? Use examples from Lucinda's Secret and your own life to support your answer.

3. If you were under a spell and could say or do anything you want to one of your siblings or good friends, using the spell as an excuse so they wouldn't blame you, what would you do? Why would you do it?

Essay Topic 3

Lucinda's Secret is the third book in a series, called the Spiderwick series. Discuss the following.

1. Discuss two advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters and having the plot continue from one book to the next. Use examples.

2. Discuss two disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters and having the plot continue from one book to the next. Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or books in a series with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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