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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. Who comes from the barn as Hattie returns from the fields?

2. How old does Hattie feel she'll be before she is finished plowing?

3. Why is Hattie embarrassed when Traft comes in her house?

4. How does Hattie write about her life in the letters she writes?

5. Who brings Plug home?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the interaction between Traft and Hattie on April 2.

2. What happens when Hattie is sixteen that jeopardizes her finishing school?

3. What happens when Perilee and the children go with Hattie to church?

4. What is the first homesteading lesson Hattie learns the next morning as she goes to draw water for her coffee?

5. What does Leafie say about Traft Martin when Hattie sees Leafie at the dance?

6. Explain the situation that changes the friendly reception at the church for Hattie.

7. What happens the next day after the dance to the Mueller's barn?

8. Why do Chase and Mattie not stop in for their customary biscuits at Hattie's one day, and what does Hattie do?

9. With what does Perilee leave Hattie as they drop her off at her new home, and what does Hattie give her in return?

10. How does Hattie defuse Traft's aggression towards Mr. Saboe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Hattie Big Sky" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Hattie Big Sky"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Hattie Big Sky" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

The Spanish Influenza of 1918, makes it way through much of the world and greatly impacts the lives of those who live during that time. Discuss the following:

1. Research the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918, and write an informative essay on what you learn. Include answers to the following questions: 1. How much of the world is impacted by this particular epidemic? 2. What is the death toll? 3. How did this epidemic affect the outcome and/or progress of World War I? 4. What were the symptoms and treatments of the disease?

2. Discuss how the flu epidemic impacts the lives of those in the area where Hattie lives.

3. Research and learn about your own family's past and find out (if possible) is your ancestors were impacted by the disease and write about what you learn.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not? Do you think "Hattie Big Sky" ends on a happy note? Why or why not.

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Hattie Big Sky" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why this story is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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