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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 car does Joey describe as "shimmering in her loveliness" outside of Veech's garage in "Things with Wings"?

2. From what station does Joe Dowdel ship out for basic training in "The Troop Train"?

3. In what year is "Things with Wings" set?

4. Outside of what town does Joe Dowdel wait for his train to take off in "The Troop Train"?

5. Who is the proprietress of the Coffee Pot Cafe?

Short Essay Questions

1. How old are Mary Alice and Joey when they visit Grandma Dowdel in “Centennial Summer"? How have they grown as characters?

2. What noise does Joey hear from Mary Alice's bedroom at night in “The Phantom Brakeman”?

3. What car is sitting outside of Veech's Gas and Oil in “Things with Wings"? How does Joey describe the car?

4. Why does Joey ask Grandma Dowdel for two dollars in “Things with Wings"? What is Grandma's response?

5. What exchange takes place between Joey and Junior Stubbs by the privy in “The Phantom Brakeman”?

6. How is Uncle Grady Griswold described in “Centennial Summer"?

7. What exchange takes place the first time Miz Eubanks comes to Grandma Dowdel's house in “The Phantom Brakeman”?

8. What does Mrs. Weidenbach comes to ask of Grandma Dowdel in “Centennial Summer"? What is Grandma's reply?

9. What fight breaks out during the parade in “Centennial Summer"? How is the fight resolved?

10. What does the sign say that greets Joey and Mary Alice when they arrive at Grandma's town in “Centennial Summer"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the characters of O. B. Dickerson and Earl T. Askew in the book. What are the actions, objectives, and obstacles of the characters? How would you describe Grandma Dowdel's relationship with these characters? What are Joey and Mary Alice's perceptions of these characters?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the setting of “Shotgun Cheatham’s Last Night above Ground.” In what year does this story take place? How would you describe the mood and atmosphere established through the setting in the story? Where does Grandma Dowdel live?

Essay Topic 3

What does Grandma Dowdel achieve by lying to the Peoria reporter in “Shotgun Cheatham’s Last Night above Ground"? How do Grandma's actions in this story impact the town where she lives? What are Joey and Mary Alice's impressions of Grandma's actions?

(see the answer keys)

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