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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 time did Alison and her family arrive on Saint X?

2. On one of Alison's tapes, how much time did she spend leafing through her high school yearbook and creating a list of the ten cutest senior boys?

3. In "The Secret City," what day is it when Jackie comes to see Emily?

4. When does Jefe get run over by a food deliveryman on a bicycle?

5. How long had Emily worked at the publishing company when she is fired?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sachin accuse Clive of doing?

2. What type of business ventures did Clive help Edwin with after they graduated from Everett Lyle Secondary School?

3. What were Emily's thoughts when she listened to one of Alison's tapes?

4. After Clive was sick and out of work for a while, why did Sara call him?

5. Why does Jackie come to see Emily in "The Secret City" on a Sunday in January?

6. What is Bery Wilson doing in New York City?

7. How does Jefe die?

8. What did Clive have to do to get his hack license?

9. What is Drew's life after Alison dies?

10. What does Emily learn about Alison's opinion of her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Saint X, some characters are more thoroughly described than others. Who are some characters that are merely named in passing or have a minor role in the novel? What is the importance of these flat characters to the storyline? In what way do these characters make the main characters more colorful or interesting? When there is conflict, what type of role do these flat characters play?

Essay Topic 2

Imagery is a literary device authors use to describe characters and the world they inhabit. Imagery involves using the five senses to describe characters, places, and things. How does Schaitkin use imagery to help readers imagine the world and characters she has created?

Essay Topic 3

Novels can be structured and divided in different ways. How does the structure of a novel provide clarity and flow to a story? What are chapter titles? What are some purposes of chapter titles? How does Schaitkin use chapter titles in Saint X?

(see the answer keys)

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