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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 happens when a thunderstorm hits?

2. What position does Mr. Costello have in the subdivision?

3. How does Paul say Erik learned to kick for football?

4. Where does Mr. Fisher work?

5. What does Mr. Costello do when Erik and Mr. Fisher come home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What makes the noise Paul hears when he leaves the principal's office and what do the students do about it?

2. Where does Paul's mother take him on Monday and what does she do there?

3. How do Paul and his mother arrive in Florida, and what does Paul's father say when they arrive?

4. Why is Paul put off the soccer team and what is his reaction when he hears about it?

5. What is Paul's mother's response about him being kicked off the soccer team?

6. What does Paul think about Arthur and Erik are saying about Mike?

7. Where does Paul go on his bike and what does he see about their subdivision?

8. Who comes by the house from the Owners' Association, who is his son and what happens when Paul's father returns home?

9. What does Paul's mother think will happen about Mike's death and what actually happens? What does Paul wonder about Joey?

10. What does Paul wear when he plays soccer and what do the kids say about them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Paul says that he realizes it means extra driving, but that it's what he wants to do. His mother gives in. Paul is asserting himself a little more as he matures and this is an example of the theme, coming of age.

1. Do you think Paul asserting himself is a sign of maturity? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think that Paul not caring about his mother having to drive him farther is a sign of selfishness? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. What are some ways in which Paul seems mature for his age? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

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

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

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

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends 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 Tangerine and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Tangerine 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)

This section contains 1,061 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample