Skink—No Surrender

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-book review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. Which is the best description of Richard’s sense of humor?

A) Cold and condescending

B) Sarcastic and dark

C) Goofy and childish

D) Dry and intellectual

2. Which is an accurate comparison of Malley’s and Richard’s characters?

A) Malley is more rebellious than Richard.

B) Malley is more fearful than Richard.

C) Richard is more trusting than Malley.

D) Richard is more social than Malley.

3. Which word most clearly applies to Skink’s character?

A) Gullible

B) Nurturing

C) Conformist

D) Eccentric

4. Which description best matches the way the novel portrays the setting of Florida?

A) It is a beautiful and dangerous but also fragile environment.

B) It is a setting where strange and lawless people live.

C) Its beaches and tourist attractions make it a fun place to visit.

D) Its overpopulation makes the coasts crowded and unattractive.

5. What is one thing that Skink, Malley, Richard, and Online Talbo have in common?

A) They are all concerned with preserving the environment.

B) They have all adopted false identities.

C) They are all willing to lie to get what they want.

D) They are all on the run from someone or something.

6. Which creature in the novel most clearly functions as a symbol of the hope that Malley and Richard can achieve their goals?

A) The alligator

B) The ivory-billed woodpecker

C) The wild boar

D) Bigfoot

7. Which action best conveys Skink’s growing affection and respect for Richard?

A) His introduction of Richard to Tile

B) His decision to find Malley

C) Teaching Richard to drive

D) Allowing Richard to choose what music they listen to

8. What does Skink have to replace several times throughout the novel?

A) His prosthetic eye

B) His cell phone

C) His fishing gear

D) His golf club

9. What does the author reveal by describing Richard’s theft of the skateboard and his fear of the UPS truck while he is driving?

A) Richard is not as brave or honest as he pretends to be.

B) Richard is still traumatized by his father’s death.

C) Richard envies Malley’s carefree nature.

D) Richard does not always think about the consequences of his actions.

10. What do the changes in Malley’s appearance, the marks around her wrists, and Tommy’s plan to marry her all signify?

A) Tommy is misguided, but he genuinely loves Malley.

B) Malley is endangering herself in her quest to find real love.

C) Tommy is trying to take away Malley’s autonomy.

D) Malley needs to learn how to advocate for herself.

11. Which theme of the book is most supported by the incidents with the rattlesnake necklace and the alligator that drags Tommy underwater?

A) Identity and Independence

B) Deception as a Useful Tool

C) Refusal to Conform

D) Allyship with Nature

12. What does Skink’s treatment of the turtle egg poacher foreshadow?

A) His decision to help Richard find Malley

B) His decision to stay with Tommy after Richard and Malley escape

C) The revelation that he survives by eating roadkill

D) The ease with which he tells lies during his journey with Richard

13. What earlier event in the novel makes the manner of Tommy’s death especially appropriate?

A) When Tommy almost shoots the heron

B) When Tommy lies about knowing Talbo

C) When Tommy threatens violence against Richard

D) When Tommy keeps Malley captive

14. Which theme of the book is most supported by the elements of Skink’s physical appearance and Malley’s decision to run away?

A) Identity and Independence

B) Deception as a Useful Tool

C) Refusal to Conform

D) Allyship with Nature

15. What is suggested by Malley’s tearing up the photo and notes from Tommy’s suitcase and Richard’s belief that Malley really needs to see Tommy get caught?

A) Tommy’s cruelty toward Malley has made her become cruel, too.

B) Malley does not want the police involved because she wants to personally take revenge on Tommy.

C) Tommy has tried to take away Malley’s autonomy, and she needs to take it back.

D) Malley is not behaving rationally because her long ordeal has affected her ability to think clearly.

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. What is an important difference between Richard’s intentions in stealing the skateboard and his intentions in deceiving people while he is on the road with Skink?

2. When Richard returns to the skateboard shop to apologize and pay for the skateboard, what does this demonstrate about his character’s growth and change?