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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's first bed?

2. What happens if Wilbur gets tired when he and Fern take walks?

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

4. Under what conditions does Mr. Zuckerman allow Fern to visit Wilbur?

5. What does Charlotte do when Templeton takes the last egg away?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

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

4. What is Charlotte's impression of people?

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

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

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

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

9. How does Wilbur act during his "escape"?

10. Why do you think Fern goes rigid on her stool one time while visiting with the barn animals?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

One of the main themes of the book is an acceptance of the practical side of nature: some animals must die so others may live. Write an essay evaluating this idea, mentioning moments in the book when the characters must face or cause death.

(see the answer keys)

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