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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. Where does Daddy go to work?

2. Billie Jo says about her father that "If he had cried, his tears would have been __________ too, but he didn't cry."

3. Ma is burned so badly that she is _______________________.

4. What does President Roosevelt encourage people to plant in the dust bowl?

5. What flowers would grow on the graves of the war dead?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What are the special rules about setting the table during the dust bowl era?

5. What happens in the aftermath of Ma's death?

6. How does Mad Dog say he got his nickname? What is his real name?

7. Explain how people view Billie Jo now that her hands are injured.

8. What is the dust a metaphor for?

9. Who is Livie?

10. How does Ma react when a brief rain comes in the Summer of 1934?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of the story, Louise places a bowl of perfect apples on the shelf. What is the significance of the apples to Billie Jo and to the story overall? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

What important life lesson does Billie Jo learn from the man on the train? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Despite the extremely trying times of people living in the dust bowl era, they are very generous and supportive of each other. Cite at least three examples that show this strength of character and generosity.

(see the answer keys)

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