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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. What kind of memory does Conrad have when he asks out a girl to go on a date?

2. Who does Conrad meet in chapter 3?

3. How does Conrad feel about Cal's Christmas gift?

4. What group or event does Conrad want to quit?

5. Where does Conrad's family go for Christmas?

Short Essay Questions

1. In chapter 14, what does Dr. Berger suggest the real problem is?

2. What is Cal's role in his family?

3. How does chapter 13 represent a breakthrough for Conrad and his family?

4. Why does Cal want to get Conrad a car for Christmas?

5. What does Conrad use as an excuse to quit the swim team?

6. What does Conrad prove by making an appointment with Dr. Berger?

7. Looking at Beth's perfectionist personality, why does Conrad upset her so much?

8. Why doesn't Conrad tell anybody that he has quit the swim team?

9. What causes Conrad to worry about his ability to survive in chapter 7?

10. The morning that the novel starts, what things does Conrad wonder?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the lowest point of Conrad's life in the novel? What is the highest point? Provide evidence from the novel to strengthen your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Many of the characters in "Ordinary People" feel guilty. For example, Conrad feels guilty over the death of his brother, Jordan. How is guilt one of the major themes in the novel? What characters experience guilt and why?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the development of the three main characters: Conrad, Beth, and Cal. Compare and contrast each character from the novel's introduction to the epilogue. What changes? What do they learn?

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