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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. To what does the art teacher welcome the students?

2. Why is the clan expensive to belong to?

3. How does Melinda think Heather got into the clan?

4. Why does Melinda receive a demerit?

5. What is the name of the "clan" that Heather has found?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Melinda's former friend Rachel respond to Melinda in "First Marking Period"?

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

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

4. Why does Melinda decorate the faculty lounge with Heather and what do the Marthas say about Melinda?

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

6. What happens in algebra class that feels disastrous to Melinda?

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

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

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

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

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

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Speak.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Speak. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Speak. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

The theme of rape is woven throughout Speak and plays a pivotal role in every aspect of the book. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of rape throughout Speak. How does the rape of Melinda play out in her daily life? How does it change her? Are there any positive aspects of Melinda's experience as a rape victim? What?

2. The title, Speak, succinctly sums up another aspect of the theme of rape. Why do you think Melinda and so many other girls/women are afraid or unwilling to speak up about being raped?

3. What do you think should happen to Andy Evans? Is he evil or mentally ill? Do you think he should go to prison or a place where he can receive mental therapy? What do you think makes a person rape? Could Andy have suffered abuse himself?

(see the answer keys)

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