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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 the Spanish teacher write on the board in "First Marking Period"?

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

3. What does Melinda nickname her English teacher?

4. What embarrasses Melinda in Spanish class?

5. What prompts Mr. Neck to teach a straightforward class?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Melinda refer to her teachers?

2. How does Melinda find a safe space for herself at school and what is the space like?

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

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

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

6. What does Melinda do after school on Columbus Day?

7. How does Melinda feel about Algebra compared to other math courses she has taken?

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

9. Who is Melinda's lab partner and how does she feel about her lab partner?

10. Describe Melinda's encounter with Rachel in the bathroom in "First Marking Period".

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of power in Speak. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with power and/or have the most power? Why? What are some symbols of power? Symbols of powerlessness? What characters seem powerless?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of abandonment in Speak. Who is abandoned? Why? Who does the abandoning? Why? Do Melinda's parents abandon her? Why or why not? Do you think Melinda is embraced back into the "fold" of humanity? How? When? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of change. Who changes in Speak? Who seems to stay stagnant? What are the reasons the characters change who do so? Why do some characters not change? Do you think Melinda's changes at the end of the book will last? Why or why not? What would it take to make Andy change? Do you think there is hope for the young man? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Speak, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Speak. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

Speak was made into a film, which is directed by Jessica Sharzer and stars Kristen Stewart as Melinda. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think you would enjoy watching a film based upon Speak? Why or why not?

2. Do you think the subject matter would be more difficult or easier to portray in film versus in the book? Explain your reasoning.

3. Would you allow your high school-aged son or daughter (imagining you have one) to view the film? Explain your answer.

4. How do you think the movie differs from the book? Explain. (If you've seen the movie, discuss the differences and how you reacted to them).

(see the answer keys)

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