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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 thought occurs to Dicey as she resumes washing the market windows?

2. Though Liza seems not to notice, what does Gram sit and do?

3. As they walk their bikes slowly, what idea does Mina suggest to Dicey?

4. What does Jeff order and seem to know about when he comes to the market?

5. What does Sammy repeatedly ask of the others in order to avoid conversation?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Dicey learn about herself as a result of the brief conversation with Miss Eversleigh outside the market?

2. What does Dicey discover as a result of the last minute shopping duties suggested by Gram?

3. What is the principle involved when Sammy flatly refuses to discuss the reason for fighting on the bus?

4. When Jeff shows up uninvited at the barn, what does the conclusion of the day indicate about Dicey's progress.

5. What does the English teacher comment about Dicey's essay that she refuses to respond to?

6. What does Mr. Limgerle being a Thanksgiving dinner guest demonstrate is happening with the family?

7. What family perspective concerning Momma occurs to Dicey as she does the Christmas shopping focused on each family member?

8. What does Dicey conclude when she first sees the failing home ec grade on her report card?

9. What does Dicey learn from Mina about Gram that a new person to town most likely would not know for awhile?

10. When Dicey reflects on all that has happened in two days with the quick departure to Boston and all the activity once there, what does dicey realize about herself?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Elaborate on the symbolism of the sailboat found in the barn that is still very serviceable but needs to be scraped of the old and peeling paint, the roughness smoothed out and the exterior restored with a new coat of fresh paint. What are the parallels that liken to the four kids newly arrived at the farm?

Essay Topic 2

The author's use of music is the basic building block of the entire story, starting with the obvious title. Describe how music provides the glue that holds the storyline together throughout the book.

Essay Topic 3

Elaborate on the basic theme by citing examples of Dicey wanting to be free of responsibility so she can pursue her own course yet wanting the kids to need her. An example of Dicey's conflicting wants is her rejection of Sammy helping with the boat versus Sammy not telling what is on his mind about school and friends.

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This section contains 843 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample