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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. When Tillie makes her announcement at the beginning of the final scene in Act 1, what is Beatrice's response?
(a) "Nothing compares to a quality education."
(b) "Well, I want you to do something around here."
(c) "You deserve a great big hug!"
(d) "I always knew Nanny would die in this house."

2. Why is Ruth upset with Beatrice at the end of Act 1?
(a) She feels that Beatrice has always favored Tillie.
(b) She feels that Beatrice should be proud of Tillie for her accomplishment.
(c) She feels that Beatrice should have taken better care of Nanny.
(d) She feels that Beatrice's second-hand smoke has already done significant damage to the family members.

3. How does Beatrice's recurring nightmare end?
(a) She sees her father and her heart stands still.
(b) She shoots the horses.
(c) She waters a pot of marigolds.
(d) She sees a rat and screams.

4. Tillie recites the half-life of which of the following substances?
(a) Radium-226.
(b) Methanol.
(c) Ethanol.
(d) Radon-222.

5. What is the subject of the phone call that Beatrice receives in Act 1?
(a) Vegetable sales are slowing down.
(b) Nanny needs to have a medical procedure.
(c) Tillie's absence from school.
(d) The horses were let out of the stable.

Short Answer Questions

1. Ruth asks Beatrice to tell her a story, but requests that she leave out one part. What is the part of the story that she does not want to hear about?

2. What beverage does Beatrice prepare for Nanny?

3. Why does Beatrice look for candles following the scream from upstairs?

4. What does Beatrice hold over Nanny's head?

5. Tillie's marigold seeds have been exposed to which of the following substances?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Zindel repeat the Conclusion of Tillie's science fair presentation at the end of Act 2?

2. Describe Beatrice's feelings toward Tillie's pet.

3. How does Beatrice treat her daughter, Tillie?

4. What is Beatrice's state when Tillie and Ruth return home from the science fair? How does she react to the news that Tillie has won?

5. In what way does Beatrice pay Tillie a compliment prior to the science fair?

6. What is the cause of Ruth's emotional episode during the thunderstorm?

7. Besides caring for Nanny, what else does Beatrice expect Ruth to do while at home during the science fair? In what way does Beatrice threaten Ruth if she does not fulfill these obligations?

8. What is Beatrice's opinion of Nanny's daughter? Why do you think she has such strong feelings about her?

9. Why does Tillie want Ruth to keep her knowledge about Beatrice being a high school outcast a secret from their mother?

10. How does Ruth react to Tillie's performance in the school Science Fair?

(see the answer keys)

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