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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. The B file found in Carolyn's office concerns _______________________.

2. Wendell McGaffen had to go on the witness stand to counteract __________________ testimony against his mother.

3. Where does Rusty claim he was on the night of Carolyn's murder?

4. Rusty thinks about his father who was a _______________ from Belgrade.

5. The doctor suspects foul play in the situation of Darryl's son and tells ____________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Carolyn able to connect with little Wendell McGaffen when preparing for the abuse case?

2. How has the author's development of the characters up to this point affect the reader's perception as the murder trial begins?

3. Describe Rusty's first encounter with Marty Polhemus at the university.

4. Explain Rusty's relationship with his boss, Raymond Horgan, especially as it relates to running for the District Attorney job.

5. What does Sandy think about Nico Della Guardia's decision to not add a charge of obstruction of justice against Rusty?

6. Why does Rusty tell Marty about his own father's neglect of him?

7. What is the nature of the phone calls to Rusty's home that are listed in Carolyn's phone records?

8. What are the circumstances in which Tommy Molto accuses Rusty of killing Carolyn?

9. What technique does the author use in character development which is similar to a lawyer making a case?

10. What does Rusty reveal about his courtroom technique in "Opening Statement"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Rusty. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him--if anything--at this point in his life?

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Barbara. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her--if anything--at this point in her life?

Essay Topic 3

How does Turow use the literary technique of local color in PRESUMED INNOCENT? What elements comprise local color? Give some examples of the local color in Kindle County establishments, in the characters, and in the events.

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This section contains 1,279 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample