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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. How is El Genius behaving?

2. What does X-Ray say to explain the tickets?

3. What is X-Ray's plans for making money?

4. What is Coo's problem?

5. What do Ginny and Armpit do in Kaira's dressing room?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Armpit's counselor advise Armpit about taking steps?

2. What happens when X-Ray wakes Armpit the next morning?

3. Why does Armpit want to borrow one of Ginny's stuffed animals and which one does she recommend?

4. Why are Armpit's parents concerned about Armpit taking Ginny to the concert?

5. What happens to Armpit on his way home, and why does the incident not bother him?

6. Who goes with Armpit to meet X-Ray, and why does Armpit refuse to sell any tickets to the white guys the first time Armpit and X-ray meet up with them?

7. What do Ginny and Armpit do after the concert?

8. Who is X-Ray and what does he want of Armpit and what is Armpit's initial response to X-Ray's proposal?

9. Why does Kaira ride in the band's bus and whose music does the band play for her?

10. Why is Kaira pacing nervously backstage?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Louis Sachar.

2. What in Sachar's background may have helped him in writing Small Steps? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Small Steps help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Small Steps? Why or why not?

3. Choose one specific incident in Small Steps to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes Small Steps interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Armpit. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Kaira. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of El Genius. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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