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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 percent of Todd's puppies usually make it through service-dog training?

2. What color is the padded lining that Simon's mother gives him for Hercules?

3. What does Martin make for breakfast on May 15?

4. How long have SETI scientists like Dr. Matapang been listening for space aliens?

5. How old is Hercules when he goes to school with Simon?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Kevin's science fair project, and why does he not get to have his project about Hot Pockets?

2. Why is Ms. Hafsaas upset about what some kids do with the orange memorial ribbons?

3. What does Todd, the Vander Zwaan's dog, do that surprises Simon?

4. What is Vega, and why is it important that it rises behind Agate's tree house?

5. When Agate and Kevin come over for pizza on Good Friday, why does Isobel order pizza without pepperoni?

6. What is the town like where Simon and his family move?

7. What story does Simon tell when people ask him why his family left Omaha?

8. How does Agate bring a puppy to Simon?

9. What does Simon do on May 15 and why?

10. Why does Martin have to go to Denver after the squirrel incident?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Simon Sort of Says, 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

An allusion is a figure of speech that does not directly refer to a person, place, or thing. What are some allusions in Simon Sort of Says? Why might it be difficult to decipher an allusion just by the context of a passage in a book? Why might research be required to understand allusions?

Essay Topic 3

An analogy is the comparison of an unfamiliar object or idea to a familiar one in an attempt to explain the unfamiliar or to help readers understand characters, events, or concepts. What are some analogies Bow uses in Simon Sort of Says? How do these analogies help readers comprehend characters, events, or concepts?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,118 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample