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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 is a confidence booster for Conrad in chapter 20?

2. Who does Conrad meet in chapter 20?

3. What does Beth believe that Cal is obsessed with?

4. How does Jeanine feel about Conrad's suicide attempt?

5. What does Conrad's therapist tell him to do when he goes home after Karen's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Conrad's reaction to Beth's behavior at dinner in chapter 29?

2. Why does Conrad want to call Karen?

3. What are Cal's hopes for his vacation with Beth in Texas?

4. How does Conrad prove that he is strong in chapter 24?

5. How does Conrad feel after his date with Jeanine?

6. Why does Conrad confront Cal about in chapter 31?

7. Why is Conrad so upset that he got in a fight?

8. Why does Beth behave the way she does at dinner in chapter 29?

9. Why doesn't Beth say goodbye to Conrad when she leaves?

10. In chapter 19, Cal realizes why he is so worried about Conrad. What does he realize?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Conrad is obsessed with not failing. The other characters also have fears. Analyze the fears of three different characters. Why are these fears significant to the progression of the novel? Do their fears become obsessions? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

How is the title "Ordinary People" relevant to the novel's content? Why do you think the novel is called "Ordinary People"?

Essay Topic 3

Which items in the novel are symbols? Consider Jordan's death, the mental hospital, Conrad's bumper stickers, and the swim team in your analysis.

(see the answer keys)

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