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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. Where does Tillie go immediately after the scream is heard in Act 1?

2. What is one of the reasons that Tillie is teased by other students at school, according to Ruth?

3. What is the purpose of the phone call that Beatrice initiates in Act 1?

4. Tillie's classmates laugh at her at which of the following school events?

5. Tillie recites the half-life of which of the following substances?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Beatrice's demeanor toward Tillie at the end of the final scene in Act 1.

2. What do Beatrice and Ruth argue about prior to the science fair?

3. Why do Tillie's classmates laugh at her at the science assembly at the beginning of Act 1?

4. Compare Ruth's attitude toward Tillie at the beginning of Act 1 to the end of Act 1.

5. Is Beatrice of sound mind?

6. Describe the relationship between Ruth and Beatrice.

7. What does Beatrice do to calm Ruth when she is hysterical?

8. 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?

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

10. What excuse does Beatrice give to Mr. Goodman for keeping Tillie home from school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Zindel's play explores the theme of science and its impact on humankind. Discuss the ways in which Zindel presents this theme throughout the course of the play. Do you agree or disagree with Tillie's statement at the conclusion of her science fair presentation: "THE DAY WILL COME WHEN MANKIND WILL THANK GOD FOR THE STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL ENERGY FROM THE ATOM."

Essay Topic 2

There are several characters whose names are mentioned at certain points in time, but do not appear physically in the scenes (for example, Mr. Goodman, Mr. Berg, Miss Hanley, and Nanny's daughter). Discuss the ways in which these characters serve to further the play's overall plot and themes.

Essay Topic 3

There are several symbols in Zindel's play. Explore one symbol and discuss how it relates to a theme or motif in the play.

a) Identify the symbol.

b) What does this symbol represent?

c) Explain how the symbol helps the reader better understand the drama.

(see the answer keys)

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