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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 mountain ranges cuts through Pennsylvania?

2. For what problem does Annie meet with her pastor to discuss?

3. How old is Annie the last time she visits Oma?

4. What is the name of the marble statue Annie visits every Saturday?

5. What is the word Annie discovers during her rock tests that means "to fly away"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are Annie's views on the realities of WWII different than her views of the French-Indian War?

2. Why does the mother Mrs. McVicker had in a jar fascinate Annie so thoroughly?

3. What reactions does Annie get from passers-by when she runs down the street trying to fly?

4. What experience with butterflies stops Annie from continuing with her insect collection?

5. What Bible verse strikes a particular cord with Annie and her imagination?

6. How does Annie feel about her mother's position in life?

7. How does Annie start her insect collection?

8. What happens during the air raid drills in Annie's school?

9. How does the introduction of streetcars alter the topography of Annie's neighborhood?

10. How does Opa die?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Annie Dillard published this memoir, she was over forty years old, but attempting to write in the voice of her childhood. Give one example of a scene in which Annie was writing in the voice of ten-year-old child, and one scene in which she was writing in the voice of an adult woman looking back. Do you think the balance between these voices was successful? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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