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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. In the Quick Years, which new discovery or hobby causes the children to be so delighted 
they name Year Ten after it?

2. While driving home from Black Creek, what does Ish see on the side of the road?

3. While Ish is traveling to the east coast, he kills an animal, eating its liver afterward. What kind of animal does Ish kill?

4. After Ish returns to the drunkard that he met in the city, the man ends up dying. What does Ish do with him ?

5. What does Ish notice is peculiar about one of the towns he visits on his drive home from Black Creek?

Short Essay Questions

1. When visiting the library, what does Joey ask Ish about restoring? What does he see that causes him to ask the question?

2. Why are Bob and Dick so eager to use a brick to smash the door instead of the hammer?

3. Would Ish like any man that the boys brought back? Why or why not?

4. Why does Ish start walking with a limp?

5. Why do you think the group wouldn't allow Evie to have children?

6. Ish uses razors, and then throws them away, using a new one every day. Is this behavior a good idea or a bad idea? What doesthis say about Ish?

7. What day of the year do Ish and Em choose to be their New Year's Day? Why?

8. What tradition does Em begin when they carve the year into the rock?

9. How is Ish different at the end of the book than he was at the start?

10. Who does Ish think is his last companion?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter Three, the author states that the fleas: "...in spite of racial differences, amicably maintained a tripartite balance of power, setting for their host an example which he might well have followed." What do you think the author is saying about racism and equality in this text? Why do you think he chose fleas as his illustration? How does the relationship between Ish and Em reflect on the author's view of racism?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the book, Ish is determined just to be the observer, someone who watches what becomes of civilization. How do you think this attitude affects the way things develop and his life in general? Do you think that he stays true to this decision throughout the entire story? Why or why not? Please supply evidence from the book for you answer.

Essay Topic 3

In the end, Ish's version of "civilization" didn't turn out the way he planned. Is it better that his personal vision wasn't realized, or do you think that it would have been better if he could have completely restored civilization? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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