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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 Addie's mother forbid her to do?

2. For whom does Rick leave a note?

3. Where is Addie's bed in her new space?

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

5. About what smell does Denise complain when she gets home?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why isn't Addie afraid to be home alone?

3. How have things changed since Mommers begins to work for Pete?

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

5. What does Addie notice about her surroundings in her new home?

6. Why does Denise begin yelling at Dwight when they are talking outside the trailer one day?

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

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

9. What does Mommers say when she finally arrives home at 2 a.m.?

10. How does Denise feel about the trailer and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Addie and Denise. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Hannah and Denise. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in "Waiting for Normal" help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "Waiting for Normal". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of honesty in "Waiting for Normal". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to have a difficult time telling the truth? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of family in "Waiting for Normal". What is family to some of the major characters? Why is family important? Who needs a normal family? Who wants a normal family? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think "Waiting for Normal" is? Explain your response.

(see the answer keys)

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