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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 item does Marco obtain from his helper?

2. From that location the money is moved again, this time to ________.

3. Where does Marco meet up with his new tutor?

4. What is the name of the email program used by Marco and Neal?

5. Which of the following words best describes the attitude of the person met by Marco?

Short Essay Questions

1. What incident happens that results in an injury to Francesca? What does Backman do to help?

2. Describe the scene on the train. What is the benefit of having the unpleasant woman in the same car?

3. What happens to Backman at the bus station? How does Backman manage to get away?

4. What is the status of the FBI investigation into the offshore bank account?

5. What other groups are interested in Backman? Which group is not?

6. How does Backman manage to contact Neal now that the smartphone has been stolen? What is Backman's main concern regarding the theft?

7. How does Backman's plan change once he arrives in Switzerland?

8. What is Backman's most prized possession at this point? What happens to the item?

9. Discuss the scene at Francesca's apartment. Who is there? Who is noticeably absent from the scene?

10. What is Francesca's part in Backman's escape plan? Is it a good plan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Francesca Ferro is in a vulnerable state when she meets Joel Backman aka Marco Lazzeri. Discuss Francesca's situation. What is Backman's complaint about Francesca? What does Backman learn from Luigi? What is the relationship between Francesca and Backman? What is Francesca's home situation? How does Francesca's mother react when Backman carries Francesca into the apartment? Why is there tension between Francesca and Giovanni? What do you think will happen with Francesca and Backman?

Essay Topic 2

Foreshadowing is used in several parts of the story, including Neal's interaction with his father and the plans orchestrated by Teddy Maynard. Choose at least three examples of foreshadowing and explain each. Why does Grisham choose to use this method? Is foreshadowing a typical part of this type of story? Explain. Also create a new way in which foreshadowing could be used in this story or one similar to it.

Essay Topic 3

Write a final report on the Backman case. The report should be at least 1000 words. You may choose one of the following as a source for the report: Luigi, CIA, NSA, or the FBI. Include the existence and importance of Neptune and JAM, predictions about the usage of the products, Backman's involvement, government actions and involvement, plus the presence of other entities such as Mossad.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,050 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample