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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 have to maintain in her English and Social Studies classes?

2. What dress does Melinda think was distracting on her biology teacher?

3. How does David describe the tone of Mr. Neck's lecture in "Second Marking Period"?

4. How does Melinda almost ruin an expensive microscope?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Melinda in the cafeteria at lunch on the first day of school?

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

3. How does Melinda continue to fix up her closet at school?

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

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

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

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

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

9. Describe Melinda's visit to Heather's home after school.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Speak has sometimes been subjected to censorship because of its subject matter and the intended audience. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think a ninth-grade student in the "real" world is too young to read about rape and its aftermath?

2. Do you think many girls who are Melinda's age are raped?

3. Would reading a book such as Speak help a girl who has been raped? In what ways do you think it would help a victim of rape, especially one who is Melinda's age?

4. Do you think reading Speak could be harmful emotionally to students in high school and/or middle school?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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