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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 sports do Asa and Dave build their relationship on?

2. Every day it is Asa's job to make sure his mother ____________________.

3. What does Dave do one day during baseball practice when he becomes annoyed with Asa?

4. What position does Asa play on his Little League Baseball team?

5. In what class did Asa first meet the girl in #140?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the story, "Out" begin and what is the content of the story?

2. How does Asa finally get the nice bedroom and why does Dave often walk in without knocking?

3. What grade is Asa in in "What Hearts" and who is the girl he loves?

4. Why does Asa's mother start practicing baseball with Asa and what is she shocked to see when Asa's is shirtless one day?

5. How well is the game going for Asa and his Little League team and what good plays does Asa make?

6. What position does Asa play on his Little League team and how good of a player is he?

7. How does Dave injure Asa during baseball practice and what does Asa do to retaliate?

8. Where do Dave and Asa take Asa's mother after she tried to commit suicide and what event will Asa miss as a result?

9. What is Asa's mother's psychological condition and what responsibility does Asa have for her on a daily basis?

10. What is so unusual about Asa's being in the same school for three years and what has Jean observed about Asa during this time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several events of foreshadowing in "What Hearts". Define foreshadowing. Cite at least two situations in the story that serve as foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

Explain Bruce Brooks' use of regionalism in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances of regionalism and explain why the author used them where he did.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the significance of the book's title. What does the author mean by calling it simply "What Hearts". What is he trying to emphasize with this emphatic style? Suggest three alternate titles for this book with supporting rationale for each.

(see the answer keys)

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