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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 does Louis plan to do later?

2. Why might there be a conflict of interests with one of the deputies?

3. What does Ben tell Antonia about why Calli isn't talking?

4. What would Petra plan with her dolls?

5. Who calls Louis as he is getting ready to start the search?

Short Essay Questions

1. What hat do Ben's thoughts reveal about the situation with Jason Meechum?

2. What occurs at the press conference that Martin, Fielda and Antonia go to?

3. What day does Calli think about that included Petra, Lucky and Sergeant?

4. What does Calli think about Mr. Wilson?

5. What does Louis think of doing in the next election and what does he think will be some people's reaction?

6. Describe Calli's dream.

7. How does Antonia react when she sees Calli come out of the woods?

8. What do Louis' thoughts reveal about his relationship with Christine?

9. What is Louis told about Charles Wilson?

10. What time does Ben think about when he was nine.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss The Weight of Silence based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if The Weight of Silence is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider The Weight of Silence a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 2

Calli's father has a drinking problem. He is moody as a result of this. When he's not drinking, he's a wonderful father, but when he is drinking Calli tries to stay away from him. The problem each day is that she never knows when she goes downstairs whether or not he is drinking alcohol. At the end of the chapter, the reader realizes that the father doesn't believe he really is Calli's father, and he's bitter about the fact.

1. Discuss what you think constitutes a drinking problem. Talk about symptoms, duration, behavior and changes in a person. Does Griff have a drinking problem according to what you define as a drinking problem? Use examples from you own life and the text to support your answer.

2. How do you think the inconsistency of Griff's behavior affects his family's life? Do you think it would be better if he was a bad father all the time rather than just when drinking? Why or why not? Use examples from you own life and the text to support your answer.

3. Do you think believing your wife has a child by another man is cause enough for drinking or is it only an excuse? Why or why not? Use examples from you own life and the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels end on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Weight of Silence and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Weight of Silence is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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