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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 is Soda upset about Sandy in Chapter 12?

2. Who waits at the hospital with Ponyboy in Chapter 7?

3. Why can't Ponyboy speak when he hears of Johnny's condition?

4. How does Ponyboy respond to Darry's scolding in Chapter 11?

5. What does Ponyboy ask Two-Bit to do for him before the rumble?

Short Essay Questions

1. What prognosis do the doctors give Johnny?

2. Why doesn't Darry want Ponyboy to fight in the rumble?

3. What does Darry do while Ponyboy is sick?

4. Where has Sandy gone by Chapter 7, and why?

5. How do readers realize that Ponyboy is in denial and delusional?

6. What happens at Ponyboy's court hearing?

7. What do Ponyboy and Randy talk about when Randy comes to visit him?

8. What makes Ponyboy think about Bob in Chapter 11?

9. What makes Ponyboy realize that Johnny is dying?

10. How does Ponyboy act tough at the grocery store?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain how The Outsiders can be considered a "coming of age" story. How do the main characters mature?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the setting of the novel. What time period is it, and what type of place do the characters live in? What activities, slang, etc. "date" the novel? What impact does this setting have on present-day readers? Is it more difficult to connect with the characters? What significance does the setting have to the events of the novel? Could the events have just as easily happened today? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Johnny's growth throughout the story. What events contribute to his maturity and change the way he looks at life?

(see the answer keys)

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