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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 does Melinda think would make David Petrakis cute?

2. What poster is on the wall in Melinda's space at school?

3. What is one rule of Heather's probation in her new "clan"?

4. Who is in Melinda's art class that won't speak to her?

5. How does Melinda get her potatoes and gravy on her blouse?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Melinda notice in her mirror and why don't Melinda's parents seem to notice the change in her?

2. What is making it more difficult for Melinda to talk, and what does she wish to do about what is keeping her quiet?

3. What do Melinda's parents order to do after school and how does Melinda "obey" them?

4. What is the results of Melinda's participation in job day and how does Melinda feel about the event?

5. What is the topic of discussion at dinner after the interim reports come out, and how does Melinda respond?

6. Describe Melinda's Thanksgiving Day.

7. Who are the Marthas and why does Melinda talk about them?

8. What class would Melinda avoid if possible and why?

9. About what is Mr. Neck upset and what is one student's response?

10. What are some names Melinda comes up with for groups of students in the auditorium, and to what group does she belong?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Any work of fiction has some similarities, yet the structure can engender differences. Discuss the following:

1. Discuss the structure of Speak and how it informs the plot.

2. Why do you think Anderson chooses to structure Speak the way she does? Give examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Many readers love novels and are indifferent to short stories, and vice versa. Discuss why you think some readers would enjoy one format over another.

4. Choose a short, one-act play and compare it to Speak as far as how structure affects the reading experience.

Essay Topic 2

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think Speak is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels end on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Speak and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Speak is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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