View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. What sport does Annie play throughout her childhood?

4. How long is Annie's father away, traveling to his dream city?

5. Where do the Sheehys live in proximity to the Dillards?

Short Essay Questions

1. How was the city of Pittsburgh founded?

2. How does the Dillard family react when a tornado comes roaring through their neighborhood?

3. How does Annie react to each of her sisters when they were born?

4. What fascinates Annie most about the library books she checks out?

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

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

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

8. As she is drawing, what realization does Annie come to about the way children view the world?

9. What realizations about consciousness does Annie Dillard make while struggling with bouts of insomnia as a child?

10. How does Annie perform when she plays baseball with the boys?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the memoir, Annie battles with the fact that she will never be as successful as the boys in her town. First, explain Annie's argument as to why the boys of Pittsburgh will grow up to be successful. Then, explain what Annie claims to be the fate of all young Pittsburgh girls. Finally, explain whether or not Annie met the future she foresaw for herself as a child.

Essay Topic 2

When Annie is a young child, her father makes the decision to leave the family and travel down the Mississippi. First, explain why Father made the decision to travel down the river, and whether or not he succeeded. Then, describe the family's reaction to Father's journey. Finally, explain the impact her father's journey had on Annie's life as an adult, and how it inspired her.

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 874 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample