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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 happens in Wilbur's bad dream?

2. Which of the following is not something Fern and Avery mention they want to do at the Fair?

3. What reason does Charlotte give for weaving her webs for Wilbur?

4. At the end of Chapter 18, how does Fern feel about the time she spent at the Fair?

5. What does Mr. Zuckerman tell his wife to do when they find the new web?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Wilbur struggle when the men try to put him in the crate?

2. Why does Charlotte think that the word Templeton brings back for her last web is particularly appropriate for Wilbur?

3. How are things on the farm changing as summer turns to fall?

4. How has what is most important to Fern changed and how can you tell?

5. Why is Wilbur worrying during his first day at the Fair?

6. How does Dr. Dorian feel about the possibility that animals can talk?

7. What lesson does the old sheep teach at the end of Chapter 12?

8. How does Charlotte feel after finding out that Wilbur is to receive a special prize?

9. How can readers tell at the end of Chapter 21 that Wilbur is starting to grow up a little?

10. After whose hour of triumph might this chapter be named, and why?

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

Evaluate how Wilbur's position in the barn changes over the course of the story, including discussions of incidents such as the goose convincing Wilbur to "escape," Wilbur's interactions with the other animals while seeking a friend, Wilbur's actions during various important barnyard events, and how Wilbur is spending his days at the close of the novel.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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