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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. Norton and Dennis want to drink beer with John and Lorraine at the _____.

2. Miss King is one of John's what?

3. Why do John and Lorraine start referring to Mr. Pignati as "the Pigman"?

4. Lorraine explains that John tells lies because of his what?

5. Lorraine figures that Miss Stewart does what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Mr. Pignati spends a week recovering at the hospital. By the end of that week, how are Lorraine and John treating each other?

2. What angers Lorraine about the toy department at Beekman's department store?

3. What happens to Mr. Pignati as he chases after John up the stairs on roller skates during a game of tag?

4. Does John have any interest in the part-time job his parents are trying to get for him?

5. Does John have a crush on Lorraine?

6. Even though he dies, Mr. Pignati's last few months are transformed by John and Lorraine. How does Mr. Pignati benefit from his friendship with these two teenagers?

7. Describe John's relationship with authority figures.

8. Do you think Lorraine has a crush on John?

9. What do John and Lorraine gained through Mr. Pignati's death?

10. Describe Lorraine's relationship with her mother.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is Mr. Pignati the hero in this story? Why or why not? Do you attribute heroism to any other character(s) in this book?

Essay Topic 2

Through this story, the author is conveying a larger message about life situations. Supporting your analysis with examples from the book, explain what the author is revealing about:

1. Growing up.

2. Growing old.

3. Trusting others.

4. Cherishing friendships.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast John's relationship with his father and his friendship with Mr. Pignati.

1. What internal or external conflicts does each relationship create?

2. How does John deal with these conflicts?

3. What lessons does each relationship teach John?

(see the answer keys)

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