View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Yolanda upset about what Stoney Buxton tells her?

2. Why does Yolanda steer Andrew away from his aunt and momma?

3. To whom else does Yolanda want to say goodbye?

4. With what does Yolanda threaten the bullies?

5. When is Aunt Tiny going to visit?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Yolanda and Andrew visit Stellers music store?

2. What happens when Yolanda notices three men eying her momma?

3. Why doesn't there seem to be any way back stage?

4. Why does Yolanda volunteer to reserve her family's seats for the concert that evening?

5. What idea does Momma bring up while they are traveling that disturbs Yolanda?

6. What "epiphany" does Yolanda have when she is at the park?

7. What does Momma want Yolanda to study in college and what are Yolanda's ambitions?

8. What does Aunt Tiny do for a living, and how does that help Yolanda's family?

9. Who admires Yolanda standing up to Romulus, and what is Yolanda's response to his admiration?

10. How is Andrew responding to the new harmonica and what does Yolanda think will help him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Yolonda's Genius".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Yolonda's Genius". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Yolonda's Genius". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "Yolonda's Genius" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1, and judge if it is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "Yolonda's Genius" a successful novel? What about teens?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,025 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample