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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What object does Ellen spy in one yard that she would like to have?
(a) A pile of leaves.
(b) A gnome.
(c) A nice family.
(d) An angel fountain.

2. Why doesn't Ellen tell anyone about her problems with her father?
(a) She was worried she'd get in trouble.
(b) She didn't have any problems.
(c) She didn't care about her problems.
(d) She was scared and untrusting.

3. How does Ellen's father die?
(a) Murder.
(b) Alcoholism.
(c) Suicide.
(d) Natural Causes.

4. Which character gives Ellen the outfit to wear to the funeral?
(a) Her father.
(b) Aunt Nadine.
(c) Dora.
(d) Her mother.

5. From what room does Ellen observe her family from?
(a) The kitchen.
(b) The bedroom.
(c) The dining room.
(d) The bathroom.

Short Answer Questions

1. What luxuries does Ellen have in her new life that did not exist in her old life?

2. What is Nadine's response to the drive through this part of town?

3. Where does Ellen celebrate her first Christmas after her mother's death?

4. What activity has become an escape for Ellen?

5. What is the pony's name that Ellen wants to ride?

Short Essay Questions

1. What gifts does Ellen buy herself for Christmas?

2. How does the fact that Ellen is concerned with snakes in her new life hint at how she feels about the members of her family?

3. How does Ellen's selection of gifts show that Ellen has to take responsibility for herself?

4. Why does Ellen choose Starletta's parents when asked by the school board if Ellen has someone to take care of her?

5. Why does Ellen feel that her relatives are phonies?

6. In what ways does the author indicate that Ellen's father killed Ellen's mother?

7. Why does Ellen have to make sure that she retrieves the envelope of money from the mailbox before her father can get to it?

8. Up to Chapter 7, what are some of the ways Ellen covers up for her father?

9. In what ways does Ellen justify not telling anyone about the circumstances of her mother's death?

10. Why does Ellen feel that she is better off being a ward of the county rather than being in the custody of her father?

(see the answer keys)

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