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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. Where does Excel go before his work shift in Chapter 25?

2. How much did Lucia donate to rebuild the square in Chapter 26?

3. How much has Excel earned since he came back in Chapter 25?

4. In Chapter 29, what is the bill for the dinner that Maxima and Excel have with Jerry?

5. What grade was Excel in when he made up a story about being a relative of Alfred Nobel?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 22, how did Excel celebrate his birthday late?

2. Before Jerry sends $15,000, what does Jerry want to do in Chapter 27?

3. In Chapter 16, how did Excel and Sab celebrate Thanksgiving?

4. Why does Gunter refuse to pay Excel in Chapter 17, and how does Excel protest?

5. What story did Excel make up about his family for a 10th grade essay assignment?

6. What kind of hours was Sab working in Chapter 19?

7. In Chapter 32, what happens to Gunter one night?

8. In Chapter 17, what does Excel do when he gets home?

9. What story does Maxima make up for Jerry Borger?

10. How does Sab feel when she receives the care package from Excel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Flashbacks are a literary device used to provide information about events that took place before the story began. How does the author use flashbacks in the novel? How does the author’s choice to use flashback affect the plot?

Essay Topic 2

Maxima works odd jobs and talks to men to get money. Excel works at a pizza parlor. How would you describe Maxima and Excel’s socioeconomic status? What does the author convey about poverty through their lives?

Essay Topic 3

Joker had a heart attack in a restaurant. Why did Maxima treat Joker as a stranger when she asked a clerk to call an ambulance for Joker? Why did Excel walk away? Why does Excel feel guilty about Joker’s death?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 951 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample