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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. How long has Lupe's family lived in their house?

2. What does Janey refrain from saying to Mr. Anderson?

3. Mom packs up some salt port and ____________________ for the trip.

4. The family living nearby Janey's family is of what nationality?

5. What does Janey want to buy with her nickel?

Short Essay Questions

1. What exhibits do Janey and Lupe look at at the fair and why does Lupe reason that Janey wants to stay by herself in the library booth?

2. Why is Janey jealous of Lupe?

3. What is unspoken between Janey and Lupe regarding the ride ticket that Lupe gives Janey?

4. Where do the Larkins go on an outing when Dad is off work?

5. What does Dad say about work on the ranch that disappoints Janey?

6. Why does Janey wish for a brother or a sister?

7. How old is Janey Larkin and what is she doing as the novel begins?

8. What is the significance of the nickel in terms of how Mom feels for Janey's good fortune?

9. What has Janey always longed to do in a permanent place?

10. How does the author use foreshadowing regarding the willow plate in Chapter 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several events of foreshadowing in BLUE WILLOW. Define foreshadowing. Cite at least two situations in the story that serve as foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

What is the greatest lesson Janey learns from her father? Is it true that important lessons are also painful ones? What will Janey always recall about her father from their experiences in California during the Great Depression?

Essay Topic 3

The author used more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two examples about loss in the book and then explain why the examples support the theme.

(see the answer keys)

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