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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 Boaz act on his leaves while in the military?

2. What is one thing Levi's parents have continued doing over the years?

3. What does Amanda buy Boaz?

4. With whom is Christina going away for the summer?

5. What bothers Levi about Boaz?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Levi tell Zim and Pearl about Boaz while they are at the yogurt shop?

2. What does Levi say about Boaz as a brother?

3. Who comes to spend Shabbat with Levi's family and what is he like?

4. How is Levi conflicted about Boaz and who has he told?

5. What did Levi do as a child when he'd wake in the middle of the night and what does he do now since Boaz is back home?

6. How does Pearl try to comfort Levi concerning Boaz?

7. Why is Levi conflicted about attending a party and what does he decide?

8. Describe the conversation between Dov and Levi about Boaz.

9. What does Levi say Boaz does on the computer?

10. What does Levi observe when he goes into Boaz's room to help Boaz with his broken computer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Adjusting to life as a civilian is difficult for Boaz. He stays in his room and sleeps, but he is probably just avoiding talking about his experience. He's not ready to discuss it yet. But his silence, just like his military service, is impacting the family. His mother is worried, but keeps reminding herself that at least he's home. Abba doesn't understand why his son is isolating himself and isn't just his old self. Levi is confused and hurt. Boaz's apparent depression is making Levi feel guilty.

1. Discuss why adjusting to civilian life might be difficult for Boaz. Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

2. How do you think Boaz's silence is affecting his family? Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

3. Compare Boaz's parents reactions to his behavior and why you think his mother and father are reacting differently. Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

The Things a Brother Knows belongs to the young adult novel genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the young adult novel genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a young adult novel and a historical novel mystery?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The Things a Brother Knows, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in The Things a Brother Knows. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot.) Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not? Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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