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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 is the name of Vernon's attorney when Vernon is 15-years-old?

2. What does Vernon find strange when he arrives at McAllen?

3. Why does Vernon give Deutschman back $20?

4. Where is Vernon when Jesus begins shooting?

5. What is the cowgirl wearing under her Levis?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reason does Vaine give for Vernon's arrest?

2. Why does Vernon want to get out of Texas?

3. Why does Vernon make faces before appearing on TV?

4. Why does Vernon's mother say she is crying?

5. What does Vernon think about Jesus?

6. Why does no boy in town love Ella?

7. What does Vernon imagine about the TV movie of his life?

8. What lesson does Vernon say he has learned?

9. How does Vernon get $160 off Deutschman?

10. Why does the Judge release Vernon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following and discuss how it affects the tone of the book and helps to express character and theme:

1. Setting

2. Point of view

3. Structure

4. Language

Essay Topic 2

Discuss elements of the narrative structure: exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the book's themes?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the construction of Pierre's argument.

1. How does he introduce his ideas?

2. How does he construct his ideas to come to logical conclusion?

3. What weaknesses and strengths can you identify in Pierre's argument?

(see the answer keys)

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