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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 do Helena and Addie get when they pass the firehouse?

2. What does Denise say to Addie as Addie is bringing in the third load of laundry?

3. Why does Addie invite Hannah to sit by the fire after dinner?

4. What has Mommers brought home when she arrives?

5. What does Denise ask Addie to do with Dwight's check?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Addie's Christmas with her mother.

2. What does Addie's mommers say when she drives up and what is in the car?

3. How does Addie compare herself to Brynna and what is Dwight's response?

4. What does Dwight do when he meets Addie after school on Valentine's Day?

5. How does Addie react when she finds Hannah making breakfast the next morning?

6. Who meets Addie at Lake George and why is it okay that her paper bag of clothes breaks?

7. What is Elliot installing in the mini-mart and what does Soula think of it?

8. Describe the conversation between Addie and Ms. Rivera.

9. What is the dress like that Mommers buys Addie for her recital and what is Addie's response?

10. What business does Hannah have and how do the girls help Hannah in the business?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "Waiting for Normal", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "Waiting for Normal". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Waiting for Normal belongs to the young teen novel genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the young teen novel genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a young teen novel and a mystery?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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