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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. The Grogans had paid less for their farm animals than normal. Why?

2. What happens at the end of Chapter 19 that makes John rethink Marley's reactions to thunderstorms?

3. J.I. Rodale was the leader in the back-to-the-earth movement in the 1960s. What magazine did he publish?

4. What challenge did the Grogans face after the arrival of their second child?

5. Marley ended up at the vet while Jenny and the kids were in Boston. Something was wrong with his digestive system. What was wrong with it?

Short Essay Questions

1. What were four reasons the Grogans decided to move to Boca Raton?

2. What did John notice about Marley soon after they moved to Pennsylvania? Give some examples.

3. What happened soon after John's visit to Shanksville that reinforced his conviction that Marley was living on "borrowed time"?

4. What incident showed that Marley did not really fit in in Boca Raton?

5. What is the end result of the movie, The Last Home Run?

6. Before Jenny and the children returned from Boston, Marley became dangerously ill. What was wrong with him and what was the outlook?

7. What was life like for the Grogans after Conor's birth?

8. What happened not long after John's new job in Philadelphia began? What was the result of this for Marley?

9. John was dedicated to an organic living style, so the family decided to invest in something. What was it and why? In regards to this, what did their neighbor warn them not to do, but they did anyway?

10. Soon after Marley filmed his part in the movie, the Grogans decided it was time to move. They chose Boca Raton as their new home. Why was this a little embarrassing for John?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define "the writer's purpose" and give four examples of different genres of writing and explain the writer's purpose for each one. Apply the definition to Marley & Me and discuss John Grogan's purpose in writing the memoir and if you think he has succeeded, with examples to back up your assertion.

Essay Topic 2

In reference to the plotting of Marley & Me:

(1) Why are the events of the memoir arranged as they are?

(2) What moves the narrative along? Is it external action or internal conflicts? Or a combination of both? Support your answer with examples.

Essay Topic 3

At the beginning of the memoir, author John Grogan reminisces about his childhood dog, Saint Shaun. How does he describe the dog? What does he say about Shaun in regards to other dogs? Compare and contrast Shaun with his second pet dog, Marley, citing examples from the book.

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