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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. Who comes on the t.v. to talk about the radiation accident?

2. What does the person want?

3. What does Nyla do as she nuzzles Bayley?

4. What is the real reason Nyle declines Muncie's invitation?

5. Who is in the back room?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Nyle and Muncie's encounter with Ripley and what you think the encounter may foreshadow.

2. Contrast the back room how it was used when Nyle is small versus in the story now.

3. What emotion is Nyle experiencing and what is Gran's advice about the emotion? Do you think it is wise advice?

4. Ten days after the accident, what does the Principal announce and what do you think your response would be?

5. Describe Ezra's response to Nyle when she comes to read to him.

6. What do you think Ezra means when he says he feels like a phoenix?

7. How do you think the theme of determination plays out in this chapter?

8. What is ironic about Ezra's feeling about the back room?

9. How is it obvious that the two teens feel some attraction for each other?

10. Why is it ironic that Nyle has to frighten off Tyrus from the sheep?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Setting is important in any story, but in this one it is what drives the story. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using specific examples and details:

1. What is the setting of the story?

2. Why is the setting so critical to the plot?

3. Do you or would you live near to a nuclear power plant? Why or why not?

4. Could this setting have been anyplace where there was a nuclear power plant? In other words, is that fact the only critical aspect to the setting?

Essay Topic 2

The contrast between Mrs. Trent's (and Ezra's as well) background and that of the sheep farmers is obvious in this chapter when Nyle notices several contrasts between her and Mrs. Trent. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. What are the contrast that Nyle notices?

2. Do you think Mrs. Trent feels the contrast as greatly as Nyle does? Why or why not?

3. What do you think a possible theme suggested by the scene when Nyle notices her hands compared to Mrs. Trent's? Can you find threads of this theme elsewhere?

Essay Topic 3

In chapter 13, Nyle attempts to get Ezra out of bed and out of the room. In his anger, he jumps out of bed and hustles over to the door. Frozen by fear, he pauses, and then gives in and takes refuge in his bed. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. What is ironic about Ezra feeling safe and perhaps even a little happy in this room, knowing how Nyle at this point in the story feels about the same room?

2. Do you think it is important that Ezra have a place where he feels safe? Why or why not?

3. Do you think Ezra should be pushed a little to leave the room or do you think he should be allowed to decide when he is ready? Explain your answer.

4. What do you think happens to change Ezra's emotional state to the point that he finally is able to leave the room? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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