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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. Why must Karl stay home?

2. Where is Elmer Ren?

3. Where was Charlie's friend standing when the man was killed?

4. Why does Hattie send Karl and Chase to her house?

5. Why does Rooster Jim land in a hay bale?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has Hattie been doing at night to fight the heat?

2. Why does Traft say about the fire in Hattie's barn when he comes by to see her after the July 4th picnic?

3. Who comes to help Hattie with the threshing and how does Chase contribute?

4. What does Hattie's next installment describe?

5. What happens when Hattie goes to visit Perilee?

6. What does Charlie write to Hattie in a somber letter?

7. What epidemic strikes the area where Hattie lives and what does Leafie do?

8. What do they have to do with the new baby since she is premature?

9. What troubling news does Rooster Jim bring to Hattie, and what is the outcome?

10. How does Traft explain the fact that he has not yet been drafted into the military?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "Hattie Big Sky", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement.) Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "Hattie Big Sky". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot.) Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "Hattie Big Sky" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1, and judge if "Hattie Big Sky" is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "Hattie Big Sky" a successful novel? What about teens?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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