View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Junior describes his Indian Reservation in Chapter 4: "Because Geometry Is Not a Country Somewhere Near France" as being "one million miles north of" what?

2. What was the score when the Wellpinit Junior High Academic Bowl played against Reardan Junior High School the previous year, according to Junior in Chapter 7: "Rowdy Sings the Blues"?

3. What word is repeated on the image of the flying horse in the clouds in Chapter 7: "Rowdy Sings the Blues"?

4. What medicine does Junior say he was prescribed to prevent seizures as a child in Chapter 1: "The Black Eye of the Month Club"?

5. What does Junior's father do when Junior's dog becomes seriously ill in Chapter 2: "Why Chicken Means So Much to Me"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Junior say he is a member of "The Black Eye of the Month Club"? How does this status affect Junior's actions?

2. How does the reservation where Mary has moved to differ from the one where she and Junior grew up?

3. What exchange takes place between Junior and Rowdy in Chapter 14: "Thanksgiving"? How does Junior feel about this encounter?

4. Who leads the violent conflict in Chapter 3: "Revenge Is My Middle Name"? What is the biggest concern about the conflict?

5. How does Rowdy respond to Junior's confession about Dawn in Chapter 10: "Tears of a Clown"?

6. How does Junior describe his family's financial circumstances in Chapter 2: "Why Chicken Means So Much to Me"?

7. How does Junior describe his feelings about "community" in the beginning of Chapter 12: "Slouching Toward Thanksgiving"?

8. Who takes Junior to his first day at the new school in Chapter 8: "How to Fight Monsters"? What conversation do they have as Junior departs?

9. How do Junior's parents respond to Junior's decision about school in Chapter 6: "Go Means Go"? What warning do they impart on him?

10. What is Penelope's goal with her costume in Chapter 11: "Halloween"? How does this inspire Junior?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of poverty and family in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. How does Junior define “poverty” for the reader? What does “family” mean to Junior in the beginning of the story? How do both of these concepts change meaning for Junior by the end of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how the author uses symbolism, metaphor, and character to further illustrate the themes of identity and poverty in Chapter 11: “Halloween.” Consider Junior’s and Penelope’s Halloween costumes. What does each costume represent symbolically to the wearer? How is this relative to the theme of identity? How does Junior “identify” with poverty versus how Penelope identifies with this concept?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the themes of heritage, custom, and identity in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. In what ways are Junior’s concepts of identity tied to his heritage and customs of his people? How does Junior feel that he stands apart from others in his community in regard to identity? How do you relate to Junior’s struggle with these concepts?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,058 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample