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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 Ian get tires for Aunt Terry's car?

2. How many tools are in the shed that Gramps told Ian came from the old country when the family emigrated from France?

3. For the best Thanksgiving Ian remembers, what did they have to eat?

4. What type of pie does Ian remember having on his best Thanksgiving?

5. Why did John Paerson get fired?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Brandi's talk with Angel go?

2. What memories does Ian have about Sugar Road, and how does it change?

3. What does Ian fix at the Paersons?

4. How does Ian picture what spiral ham is, and how does he feel when he sees one?

5. What does Ian learn about the no-trespassing signs on Sugar Road?

6. Why did Ian's grandfather drop out of college?

7. What job does Ian get in Chapter 11?

8. Why is a letter addressed to George Henri in February rather than George Henry?

9. How does Ian get propane for the stove?

10. What problem is there with the property taxes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Gather, some characters are more thoroughly described than others. Who are some characters that are merely named in passing or have a minor role in the novel? What is the importance of these flat characters to the storyline? In what way do these characters make the main characters more colorful or interesting? When there is conflict, what type of role do these flat characters play?

Essay Topic 2

Ian writes a poem based on Robert Frost’s poem, "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening." What does the poem mean and how does it express Ian’s thoughts about land and land ownership?

Essay Topic 3

Ian experiences great kindness, especially after his mother dies. How is Ian surrounded by kindness after his mother’s death? Why are their kindnesses important? How does kindness help Ian heal?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 848 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample