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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. Which of the following modes of transportation is the newest edition to Annie's neighborhood in the late 1950's?

2. How many rivers meet at the center of Pittsburgh?

3. What does Mother do for a living?

4. Which of the following Bible verses had a profound effect on Annie's childhood?

5. How does Annie feel when her mother brings her to meet the neighborhood nuns?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Annie explore the skin of her parents?

2. What does Annie remember most about the destruction of her neighborhood from the tornado?

3. Why isn't Annie allowed to play with the Sheehy children?

4. How does Annie react when her mother forced her to greet the neighborhood nuns?

5. What jobs does Father have after he returns from his failed trip down the Mississippi?

6. How does Annie feel about the boys she takes dance lessons with in school?

7. What is Mother's favorite joke about the brick and the little black poodle?

8. What is Annie Dillard's father's greatest dream in life?

9. How does Father react when Annie digs up an old coin in the alleyway near their home?

10. How does Annie feel about the Catholic religion as a child?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As a child, Annie's first hobby is learning to draw. First, why Annie was inspired to start sketching and how her practice of drawing matured over time. Then, describe what Annie learned about her own consciousness and the space she fills in this world through drawing.

Essay Topic 2

Annie frequently discusses feeling profoundly inspired when she walks into a library. First, give at least two examples of times with the inspiration of books overwhelmed Annie. Then, briefly explain how Annie's inspiration from books changed as she matured.

Essay Topic 3

When Annie is a child, a tornado sweeps through her neighborhood destroying everything in its path. First, describe Annie's reaction to the power of the storm. Then, describe the destructive effects of the storm on Annie's neighborhood, and explain which post-storm sight most affected Annie's emotions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 912 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample