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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 art teacher believe is as important as words and numbers?

2. What word does the art teacher write on the chalkboard?

3. What does Melinda's family end up eating on Thanksgiving?

4. How is Melinda feeling emotionally as she boards the school bus?

5. How does Melinda describe Nichole's personality?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. After her parents are upset about her grades, what does Melinda do the next day?

3. Who introduces herself to Melinda in "First Marking Period", and why is she friendly when no one else is?

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

5. What is Mr. Freeman like and what does he have the students do on the first day?

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

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

8. How do Melinda and her parents usually communicate and why?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Melinda is a ninth grader (about age 13) throughout the novel. Discuss the following:

1. What are some ways that Melinda seems like an average 13 year old? Give examples and why you say the activities are average teen activities.

2. What are some ways that Melinda seems older than her age of 13? Give specific examples and discuss whether they seem consistent with the character of Melinda as she is developed throughout the book.

3. Is it realistic to think a 13 year old can handle the trauma of rape alone? Where do you think Melinda could have turned to for help?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Melinda from the beginning of the book to who she is at the end of the book. How are they similar? How are they different? Which character do you like more? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Andy Evans and David Petrkis. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Speak help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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