View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In what war did Billie Jo's father serve?
(a) World War I
(b) Vietnam War
(c) World War II
(d) Korean War

2. What happens to Ma as Billie Jo is trying to save the apple trees?
(a) She calls out for her
(b) She goes into a coma
(c) She dies
(d) She asks for a priest

3. Who does Billie Jo go on the road with to play piano?
(a) The Goodwin Gospel Group
(b) Mr. Romney
(c) Arley Wanderdale
(d) The Brice Family

4. What does Billie Jo do as the dust storm approaches?
(a) Prays
(b) Watches from a big window
(c) Stuffs rugs under the doors and rags around the windows
(d) Hides in her bedroom

5. What does Billie Jo call playing piano on stage?
(a) Nerve wracking
(b) A one time thing
(c) Heaven
(d) Terrifying

Short Answer Questions

1. What is in the pail that Ma grabs in the kitchen?

2. What does Billie Jo call her father since Ma's death?

3. What scholastic achievement does Billie Jo reach?

4. In what state is Billie Jo born?

5. Who has been Billie Jo's best friend since first grade?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe some of the grim scenarios that Billie Jo sees.

2. How does Mad Dog make Billie Jo feel like things are back to normal at least for a little bit?

3. Explain the symbolism of Ma's death which corresponds with the devastation of the apple trees.

4. What is Bille Jo's overall state of mind in Autumn 1934?

5. Explain Billie Jo's reference to red poppies.

6. How does the wandering boy symbolize all the people who want to escape the dust bowl and have a better life in California?

7. What is the dust a metaphor for?

8. What is the significance of the snowfall in Autumn 1934?

9. Who is Billie Jo? What does she like? Where does she live and who is her family?

10. Who is Livie?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,036 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample