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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 is Yolanda doing while Andrew is playing his harmonica near Asphalt Hill?

2. What does Yolanda miss about her former home?

3. What does Yolanda usually have when she answers a question in class?

4. What does Vic show Andrew?

5. What does Shirley mean when she tells Yolanda that it takes one to know one?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Andrew become confused when Miss Gilluly shows him a picture of a dog?

2. Who is impressed by Yolanda and why?

3. Why does Momma decide to move from Chicago?

4. What does Yolanda go to the library to research and what does she learn?

5. What does Yolanda yell to Shirley as Yolanda is running out of the house?

6. What gives Yolanda comfort in her new home?

7. Where has Yolanda chosen to sit in her classroom and why?

8. What is the other terrible thing that has happened recently?

9. How does Yolanda respond to the cruel comments by the other children on the bus?

10. How does Shirley react to what Yolanda tells her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "Yolonda's Genius". 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 human genius in "Yolonda's Genius". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why? What do you think Yolanda would label as genius?

3. Trace and analyze the themes of bullying and prejudice in "Yolonda's Genius". Who are bullies? Who stands up to bullies? Who does not? Why do those who bully do so? Who is prejudice? What type of prejudice? What do you think is the result of Yolanda's prejudice? Who is able to change from being a bully? From prejudice?

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an important part of what makes "Yolonda's Genius" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Yolanda. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Andrew. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Shirley Piper. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

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 "Yolonda's Genius", 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 "Yolonda's Genius". (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?

(see the answer keys)

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