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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 are Dicey's thoughts as she realizes the younger ones are getting along without her?

2. What is it about Wilhemina Smiths that makes an impression on Dicey?

3. What is Gram's reaction to the offer of a ride to town for her and Dicey?

4. During lunch at the mall, what does Gram report was the teacher's review of James?

5. What is Gram's advice to Dicey as they conclude talking about Maybeth's note?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the effect on Dicey when she returns from a brief time out to learn the kids have gone to bed for the night?

2. What small initiative step does Dicey take soon after school starts that shows she still feels responsible for the four kids?

3. What is the impact on Gram's life now that the children have settled in at the farm?

4. How does the current condition of the sailboat and Dicey's plans for it align with the current situation of the kids?

5. How is Dicey's thinking impacted when she learns Millie cannot read?

6. Why does Gram insist upon first telling only Dicey about what the teachers had to say?

7. What does Dicey's actions regarding the home economics apron project reveal about her inner self?

8. Gram receives along letter from the doctor in Boston about Momma's condition. What are Dicey's thoughts when Gram tells her that there has been no change in Momma's condition?

9. Why does Dicey stop to listen to Jeff play the guitar and sing, but never says much or stays very long?

10. What does Dicey's decision about Maybeth's music lesson cost indicate?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When they are at the bedside of Momma, at separate times both Gram and Dicey take hold of Momma's hand and speak to Momma. Elaborate on the author's idea that holding on is not the same as steering, controlling, and directing.

Essay Topic 2

A recurring theme is the opening up of oneself, letting others get to know you and enter in to your life. The opening up is a process of steps, not a single event. Discuss the author's techniques in using the characters of Jeff and Mina and the deliberate separate steps the process takes for Dicey.

Essay Topic 3

While nervously awaiting in class the return of the essays by the English teacher, Dicey muses on the hypocrisy of school in general. Expand on the premise that school is supposed to be about learning and accumulating knowledge and wisdom, but in reality all that counts is a letter grade.

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This section contains 868 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample