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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 surprising things do the boys find as they pick up trash?

2. The Nobba-WaWa-Nockee Loyalty Song is sung to the tune of what other song?

3. With whom does the narrator share his favorite snack?

4. Where was the treasure hunt prize found?

5. When does Ernie re-join his company after getting off the train?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did the fat Chipmunk earn the name of Skunk?

2. How were the boys initiated into camp life upon their arrival?

3. Describe some of the misfortunes that happened to the boys as they tried to engage in camp activities.

4. What is the narrator's favorite snack and how does it add a bright spot to a dull weekend?

5. How did Proust and Balzac block out the world and what does that same thing for the narrator?

6. Why was the narrator underwhelmed by his summer camp experience?

7. In what circumstances does the narrator find himself as the novel opens and how does he perceive his circumstances?

8. What does the forming of clans among New Jerseyites mean?

9. How did the narrator conquer the tailgater just by using his mental prowess?

10. What are the rules of the contest Umbaugh suggested?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the significance of the book's title, "A FISTFUL OF FIG NEWTONS." Why did Shepherd choose this title? Is there an understood message in the title? Is there another title you can suggest that might be just as appropriate?

Essay Topic 2

Explain some of the examples of regionalism found in the book. Can regionalism include more than accents and food? What else encompasses the culture and personality of a region? What are the major differences Shepherd found as he traveled from place to place?

Essay Topic 3

Shepherd was a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony. Briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

(see the answer keys)

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