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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. How does Cal's dad respond to the atmosphere of the welcome party when he walks in, in Chapter 9?

2. On what network is the show Shooting Stars broadcast, according to Cal in Chapter 3?

3. In what Brooklyn neighborhood does Deb work in Chapter 7?

4. How does Cal describe Deb's diet in Chapter 1?

5. What season and episode of Shooting Stars closes out Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Cal at a community garden in Chapter 8?

2. What item of clothing does Cal restrain from wearing in Texas on most occasions? Why?

3. How does Cal describe the way he is perceived by others in the opening of the novel?

4. Who is Mark Bannon in the novel?

5. What is Cal's social media outlet, and what is his standing in the beginning of the novel?

6. How is the Tucker home described?

7. How does Cal know Deb?

8. What is StarWatch, and how would you compare it to contemporary media?

9. What major event drives the action in Chapter 13?

10. What are Cal's first impressions of Leon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the plot structure of The Gravity of Us. What is the inciting action of the plot? Where does the climax occur? What information is revealed in the falling action and denouement of the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of queer love in The Gravity of Us. How is homosexuality/bisexuality perceived by the characters in the novel? Does Cal's relationship with Leon cause any outrage from their families or friends? What statements do you think the author is making about queer romance in this novel?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Cal's actions against StarWatch in The Gravity of Us. Why does Cal take offense at StarWatch and the way the network portrays the astronauts and their families? Who does Cal solicit to help him expose StarWatch? What becomes of StarWatch at the end of the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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