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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. Why is Wilbur saddened by his new friend?

2. Why does Mrs. Arable think having Wilbur go live with the Zuckermans is a good idea?

3. How would you describe Mr. Zuckerman's initial reaction to Charlotte's web?

4. How does Fern say Wilbur feels about Charlotte?

5. How does Mr. Arable respond to the idea of Fern believing that animals can talk?

Short Essay Questions

1. How would you describe Wilbur's feelings about his early life with Fern in Chapter 2?

2. How would you describe Templeton in Chapter 4 of the story?

3. What are some fun things described in Chapter 6 that children can do in nature during the spring and summer?

4. What kind of a father is Mr. Arable described as being?

5. How would you describe Charlotte's personality and interactions with other barnyard animals in Chapter 6?

6. Are the goose and the gander more sentimental or more practical? Why do you think as you do?

7. What is most remarkable about Wilbur's daily routine?

8. How observant is Lurvy when it comes to Wilbur, and how can you tell?

9. Why does Wilbur like Charlotte better and better each day?

10. What sorts of things are most important to Fern at the beginning of the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The development of the relationship between Wilbur and Charlotte is the heart of this story. Evaluate the course of this relationship from their first meeting through Charlotte's death and Wilbur's feelings about her after she is gone. Consider issues such as how their perceptions of each other change as they get to know each other better, what they learn from each other, what they do for each other and why, and how they depend on each other over time.

Essay Topic 2

Because the narrative covers an extended period of time, the reader gets to witness several characters growing up and maturing. Focusing mainly on Fern and Wilbur, but also mentioning minor characters such as Avery and the goslings, write an essay about ways animals and humans change in this book as they grow up and mature.

Essay Topic 3

Evaluate Templeton's character and the role he plays in the story. Most of the characters think of him as a glutton who only helps others to help himself, but are there any examples of him acting selflessly? Does he always expect some sort of reward for the work he does, even if the reward is just amusement? How does Templeton feel about Charlotte and Wilbur and they about him? Does he have any friends or act out of real friendship toward any of the other characters? If he is just a selfish rat, what does it say about the world that someone so self-centered could do so many things to save and change another animal's life?

(see the answer keys)

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