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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 Gunnar's father work?

2. What is one thing about Gunnar that shocks a young black man Gunnar stops for directions?

3. What is the neighborhood at the top of the hill from Gunnar's neighborhood?

4. What happens after more children arrive at the swings?

5. Who does Gunnar push on the swings at the park?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Gun Totin' Hooligans decide to avenge Pumpkin and why is Gunnar involved? How does their plan work out?

2. Who is Eileen Litmus, for what is she known at school and how does she affect Gunnar's life at school?

3. What does Gunnar recall about living in Santa Monica in Chapter 2 and why does he join the Cub Scouts? How does the Scouts work out for him?

4. What does Gunnar say his ancestors were like and what is his family situation in Chapter 1? Where does his mother work and what does she tell the children?

5. What does Gunnar's elementary school emphasize?

6. What happens when Gunnar meets Nick and some of Nick's friends for lunch?

7. With whom does Gunnar make friends during his first semester at his new school and what does he choose in his second semester schedule?

8. With whom has Gunnar become friends in the three years in his new neighborhood and why can he walk unafraid there? What is one of the disadvantages of one of his friends?

9. What kind of work does Ludwig do and what may he unintentionally have done?

10. Why does Gunnar's mother suggest her children should go to a black school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It is unclear whether Gunnar realizes that Nick is serious about suicide when they talk on the beach. It is also unknown whether Gunnar would have done anything to stop it. Gunnar seems to be accepting things as inevitable. If Gunnar did not know that Nick was serious, he should have when he saw that Nick left behind his ever-present cassette player when Nick left the beach that final night.

1. Do you think suicide is a reasonable answer to a person's problems? Why or why not? Use examples from The White Boy Shuffle and your own life to support your answer.

2. Discuss the following statement: Suicide is permanent whereas most problems are not. Use examples from The White Boy Shuffle and your own life to support your answer.

3. Do you think Gunnar acted in an irresponsible way with Nick? Do you believe he had an obligation to stop Nick from committing suicide even if it meant calling the police? Why or why not? Use examples from The White Boy Shuffle and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think it is important that The White Boy Shuffle was written? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think The White Boy Shuffle did what the author set out to do? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Explain why you might or might not read another book by this author about another black person. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

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

2. Analyze and discuss The White Boy Shuffle based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if The White Boy Shuffle is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for young teens versus adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider The White Boy Shuffle a successful novel? What about young teens? What about white people? Black people?

(see the answer keys)

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