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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 Maya find out about her parents when she receives Christmas presents from them?

2. Who is Reverend Howard Thomas?

3. How does Maya see living in St. Louis?

4. What do the preachers talk about in relationship to God and whites?

5. What is Maya's mother by profession?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the activities of the blacks' Summer Fish Fry.

2. Describe how Uncle Willie feels about his handicap?

3. Describe Maya's thoughts as she watches the cotton pickers.

4. What does the children's father do when he takes them from Stamps?

5. Why is Bailey late coming home in Chapter 17?

6. What does Mr. Freedman do to Maya?

7. Why is Saturday important to Maya?

8. Why are people gathered at the store in Chapter 19 and why are the children excited?

9. Why do people stay at Momma's after the fight?

10. How does Momma believe black people should live in order to be safe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Maya's grandmother told Willie about her trip to the white dentist they both felt she had won the encounter. What do you think and why?

Essay Topic 2

Maya learns hope and faith through her religious community but also learns fear and hate from living in a segregated and oppressive environment. How do you think the positive values of hope and faith can balance the fear and hate in Maya's life? Use examples from the book to illustrate your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Maya learned young to fear death. How do you think life would be different if humans had a 500-year lifespan?

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