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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. When farming begins to spread farther west, the land reverts from farmland to ________.

2. The author observes a pair of swallows in a nest by his cabin and how quickly they move on with their lives when ____________.

3. What is "September 27 Starting a Sugar Shack" about?

4. The author reflects in "October 14 To Find Small Caterpillars" that he is much like whom?

5. In "November 8-9 Jack?" the author observes a group of ravens that he has done what for?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the author and his son do together in "Early September"? What does this reveal about them?

2. What happens to the author's vegetables? How might he feel about this?

3. What does the author do in "Election Time?" How does this reveal his feelings regarding elections?

4. What takes place in "September 20 Clearcuts"?

5. What takes place in "August 14 Whispers of Fall"?

6. How is "October 26-30" an important chapter?

7. Why does chopping wood make the author happy? What does this reveal about him?

8. Describe the author's first morning in the cabin. What can be predicted regarding his stay in this cabin based on this information?

9. What is Adam's Hill? What is the purpose of the information about Adam's Hill?

10. What takes place in "The Time of Birdsong"? Why is this important to the author?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author spends much of the book observing changes in the seasons.

Part 1) Describe these various changes. How does the author feel about these changes? Why does he feel this way?

Part 2) How does the author's behavior reflect these changes in the seasons? Why are his actions a reflection of these changes?

Part 3) How is change a theme in this book? What other changes take place? Why do these changes take place?

Essay Topic 2

Although the author's life may seem more simple, he is often very busy.

Part 1) What is he often busy doing? Why? What does this reveal about the "simple" life? Is it truly all that simple? Explain.

Part 2) How is the author affected by this simple life? How does he feel about his new routine and daily activities? Why does he feel this way?

Part 3) How might you be changed by simplifying your life? Would your life slow down if you simplified it? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Stuart, the author's son, visits him several times at the cabin.

Part 1) Describe their visits together. What do these visits reveal about each of them? What do they reveal about their relationship? Do you believe the author spends enough time with his son? Is this a healthy relationship between a parent and a child? Why or why not?

Part 2) How would you feel if your parents divorced and one of them left to live in another state? How might this affect you and your relationship with your parents?

Part 3) What are your thoughts on divorce and the actions of parents regarding their children? Can children of divorce lead healthy lives? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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