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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. Aunt Patty asks Willa Jo if Little Sister had drunk _________________ the day they went to the fair.

2. What does Uncle Hob do when he sees the woman in #166 walking toward the house?

3. What does Aunt Patty want Uncle Hob to do when she appears at the dormer window?

4. Liz is on her way to the store to buy _______________.

5. Who did Noreen send Willa Jo to get help when Baby was sick?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Aunt Patty and Uncle Hob seem to enjoy sitting on the roof with the girls?

2. What was the nuclear family of Willa Jo and Little Sister prior to Baby's birth?

3. What insight does Uncle Hob offer as to why Noreen is coming to get the girls?

4. What recurring dream does Willa Jo have and what does she do upon waking?

5. Why do all the other girls blame Willa Jo when Miss Pettibone gets upset with them?

6. What does Miss Pettibone do when Willa Jo says she is going to the drugstore to call Aunt Patty?

7. What does Aunt Patty suggest they do to get Little Sister to talk, and how does that send Willa Jo over the edge with her aunt?

8. Why was the girls' father gone from home so much and what suggestion did Aunt Patty have for Noreen and the girls?

9. What lessons has Aunt Patty learned by having the girls with her for awhile?

10. Why does Aunt Patty suggest taking the girls home with her for awhile and how does Willa Jo secretly feel about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Audrey Couloumbis is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony, and briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the book's title. What does the author mean by calling it simply "Getting Near to Baby". What is she trying to emphasize with this emphatic style? Suggest three alternate titles for this book with supporting rationale for each.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Uncle Hob. What did he look like? What were his positive personality traits? What were his dreams and fears? What was most valuable to him in his world?

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