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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 Hannah ask Addie if Addie would like to do?

2. Why does Addie run home from her old school?

3. What does Addie use to pack her clothes in for the weekend?

4. What does Denise tell Addie that leaves Addie dumbstruck?

5. What does Ms. Rivera ask Addie that causes Addie to feel nervous?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Denise say about Addie visiting Grandio and Dwight's family over Thanksgiving?

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

5. What does Grandio give Addie and how does she react?

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

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

8. What does Dwight tell Addie that Addie has mixed feelings about the news?

9. What does Addie tell Mommers about the flute and how does Denise respond?

10. Why does Addie back out of playing at the concert?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

Addie is extremely responsible and grown up for her age; she will be entering the sixth grade in a couple of weeks. Mommers is portrayed as selfish and spoiled. She seems to feel Addie is ok taking care of the two of them, and she escapes her life's disappointments by getting online and smoking. It is clear that Addie misses the life she had with Dwight: being cared for, having family around and having security. However, Addie remains positive and doesn't seem to be too upset about the turns in her life. She seems to be used to them.

1. Discuss the ways in which Addie demonstrates her maturity for a sixth grader. Use examples from Waiting for Normal and your own life to support your answer.

2. Describe what you think is wrong with Denise including the problems you see with her role of mother to Addie. Use examples from "Waiting for Normal" and your own life to support your answer.

3. Do you think Addi is in denial and that is why she is able to stay positive about her life? Why or why not? Use examples from "Waiting for Normal" and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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