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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. What is Wilbur particularly glad Charlotte does before eating a victim?

2. Why can't Charlotte see Wilbur as clearly as he can see her?

3. What does Templeton take from Wilbur?

4. Charlotte tells Wilbur that she does her best thinking when?

5. Why does Fern miss Wilbur's noontime feeding?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Wilbur so unhappy as a young pig after living in the Zuckerman's barn for awhile?

2. What is the relationship like between Fern and the animals at the beginning of Chapter 8?

3. How does Fern get along with the animals in the barn?

4. How grown-up is Wilbur by the end of Chapter 3?

5. How might the goose's personality be described?

6. What is Charlotte's impression of people?

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

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

9. How does the web of relationships between Wilbur, Charlotte, and Fern shift at the end of Chapter 7?

10. Why does Mrs. Arable tell Fern in Chapter 8 that Fern can tell her more about the animals in Uncle Homer's barn that afternoon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the idea that people will believe anything they read in print. Does this story support that theory, and if so, how? Consider the messages contained in Charlotte's web, what inspired the writing of each one, and the reactions of various characters to each one.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the concept of freedom and what it means to be free, addressing questions such as the following: Are there different kinds of freedom, such as freedom of movement, freedom from worry, and freedom of choice? Which animals in this book were free, and in what way and to what degree? How do different kinds of freedom affect an animal's happiness and quality of life in this book?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay examining mother-child relationships in this book, focusing on such relationships as Fern/Wilbur, Charlotte/Wilbur, Fern/Mrs. Arable, Charlotte/Charlotte's children, and the goose/the goslings. How are these relationships alike and different? How do some change over time? What does it mean to be a mother or a child in this book? Are motherhood and childhood different for humans than for animals?

(see the answer keys)

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