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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 Denise ask Addie about Soula and Elliot?

2. Who is Pete?

3. What has changed as far as money for Denise and Addie?

4. What do Elliot, Soula and Addie agree that life would be empty without?

5. What does Soula say she wants to do when Addie starts to go home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Dwight brings the Littles to the trailer?

2. What does Denise say about the new car she is driving?

3. What were the reactions of Dwight and Grandio when they learned about Denise's disappearance when Addie is nine?

4. What happens at Addie's tryout for the orchestra?

5. Why is everyone happy for Addie and how does Denise suggest they celebrate?

6. What does Addie notice on the newspaper clipping board at the mini-mart one day?

7. What are the two vocabulary words Addie is learning that day, and why is she learning them?

8. Why does Helena have to see the school nurse?

9. How does Denise look when Addie returns home and what does Denise tell Addie?

10. How does Addie learn that Soula and Elliot are not romantically involved?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Waiting for Normal" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading this book? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Waiting for Normal" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Waiting for Normal".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Waiting for Normal". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Waiting for Normal". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

1. What is foreshadowing? How many incidences of foreshadowing are in "Waiting for Normal"? How does foreshadowing contribute to a book's suspense?

2. Discuss an example of foreshadowing in "Waiting for Normal" including why you believe it is foreshadowing. Include examples from the book and your own life to illustrate your answer.

3. How do you think most people react to uncertainty in their lives? Use examples from "Waiting for Normal" and your own live to support your opinion.

(see the answer keys)

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