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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. Why did Jeanine's parents divorce?

2. How many days did it take to find Jordan's body?

3. Who do Cal and Beth stay with when they travel together for a golf tournament?

4. What does Cal plan to take time off work for?

5. Who is rude to Conrad on the phone during his first phone call?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Conrad's life at the end of the novel.

2. Why is Cal surprised that Ray knows about his family's problems?

3. Why doesn't Beth want to see a counselor?

4. When Cal and Beth are in Texas, why doesn't Beth discuss Conrad with her family?

5. Which parent does Conrad fear most?

6. Describe the trip that Cal and Beth took to Spain.

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

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

9. Why is Jeanine upset about her mom's guest?

10. What does Karen's death force Conrad to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel's resolution occurs in the epilogue. What is the purpose of the epilogue in the novel? What resolution to the conflict does it offer?

Essay Topic 2

Beth is a perfectionist, and Conrad is afraid to make mistakes. Describe the ways in which perfection is a major theme in the novel. Which characters strive for perfection? How does it affect their life and character development?

Essay Topic 3

Many of the events in "Ordinary People" are realistic, such as Conrad's reaction to Karen's death. What other elements of the novel are realistic? Analyze the realism in the novel and explain whether it is effective as a literary technique.

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