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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 does Radar say of Q's frustration with Ben and Margo?

2. Why does Q go to Collier Farms?

3. What do Q's parents say about people mirroring?

4. With what does Q remain obsessed?

5. Where do the words lead?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Q's parents say about humans mirroring each other?

2. What does Q do in the souvenir shop while waiting?

3. What does Q find when he searches the shelves again and what does he realize from that?

4. What does Q realize when he re-reads the Whitman poem?

5. What does Q resolve to find on Saturday and how do Q and Radar use what they find?

6. Why is Q relieved when they find a raccoon?

7. What are Ben and Radar's theories about Margo and how does Q feel when he hears them?

8. Why does Q become frustrated with Ben the morning after the prom?

9. How does Q vacillate about his search for Margo, but what does he do instead of the prom concerning her?

10. What changes does Q find in the mini mall?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Paper Towns and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Paper Towns is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Paper Towns, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Paper Towns. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Over the course of Paper Towns, Quentin grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. Paper Towns might be considered a slice of Quentin's larger story of his "coming of age." It might be said that Paper Towns is a "bildungsroman" of Quentin Jacobsen. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Quentin as he changes from a more carefree, innocent boy to a wiser, young man. What are the significant events that change Quentin?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Quentin 's growth throughout Paper Towns, do you think Paper Towns could be considered Quentin 's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in Paper Towns who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

(see the answer keys)

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