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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 day does Ellen dread?

2. What grade is Stella in?

3. What other activities must Ellen do on Sundays in her new home?

4. What does Ellen's grandmother vow to Ellen?

5. What does Ellen end up giving Nadine and Dora for Christmas?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Ellen feel that Starletta only likes Tom for his money?

2. In Chapter 9, Ellen's father shows up at her school; using details from the text describe the scene that followed.

3. During Ellen's Christmas stay at Nadine's, what does Ellen hope for?

4. Why does Ellen choose to give Nadine and Dora pictures of kittens for Christmas instead of a picture of a brooding ocean?

5. Using details from the text, describe Ellen's shopping system.

6. In Chapter 10 the reader is introduced to Ellen's naivety. Even though Ellen is wise beyond her years, what does Ellen think about the sharecroppers who work on her grandmother's farm?

7. How do Nadine and Betsy react to their mother's death?

8. Why is church mandatory for Ellen when she moves in with her new mama?

9. What happens to Julia and Roy after Ellen moves out?

10. How does Ellen express a lack of belonging throughout Chapters 1-8?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In several instances in the text, Ellen tries to control the small things around her. Why does Ellen need to control these things?

Essay Topic 2

Using class discussion and the text as an aid describe some of Ellen's extended family relationships. Is there a closeness between the family? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

During the two years that the story takes place, Ellen lived with various people. Compare and contrast the experiences Ellen had with each of these people. How are they similar/different? What effect do they have on Ellen? Use details from the class discussion and the text to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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