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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 Dicey's reaction to the fact she might not need to meet with the teacher?

2. What does James express to Dicey that he finds odd about Gram?

3. What is Dicey's thought about her own paper and James' paper about Pilgrims?

4. What is Gram's announcement concerning finances?

5. What specific words in the song Dicey hears cause her to stop and concentrate for the meaning?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the effect on Dicey when she returns from a brief time out to learn the kids have gone to bed for the night?

2. When Maybeth is discouraged and upset by how others treat her, what does James' reaction indicate?

3. How does the small sailboat Dicey finds in the barn anchor her thoughts on this day?

4. Why does Dicey stop to listen to Jeff play the guitar and sing, but never says much or stays very long?

5. What action does Gram take that compromises her long held principles but demonstrates her willingness to do what needs to be done?

6. Why does Dicey begin the school year with a loner attitude and does not attempt to make any friends?

7. Why does Gram insist upon first telling only Dicey about what the teachers had to say?

8. When Sammy insist upon helping work on the sailboat, why does Dicey get irritated?

9. How is Dicey's thinking impacted when she learns Millie cannot read?

10. What is the importance of the presence of Mr. Limgerle as the babysitter and staying as dinner guest?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dicey and her siblings made a journey toward the unknown in their summer travels from Massachusetts to Maryland. Once settled and things seem to be known and working out, Gram reverses the journey going from Maryland to Massachusetts and this time not disclosing what is known. Discuss how the two scenarios are the same and how each differs concerning the impact on Dicey.

Essay Topic 2

Setting and circumstances of Gram are central to the development of the kids progress as they settle in at the farm. Gram's isolation at the farm and minimalist life style are two factors. Provide a typical day to day description of Gram's week at the farm at a point several months before the kids appear on the scene.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the character and personality of James Tillerman. Describe three instances where his thoughts, comments or actions demonstrate a superior intellect.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 773 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample