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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. A family car, a weekly paycheck, and a reputable bowling average are the most important things to:

2. Someone who spends their Saturdays looking for a good deal is called:

3. What happens when Ralph retells the joke he heard at his family gathering to another kid?

4. What does Ralph say was the special treat to the parade fans?

5. What instrument was Ralph playing when it malfunctioned?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What perceptions did you have about the Midwest before reading this book? Have any of those perceptions been changed? What makes the Midwest different from other parts of the country? What makes it the same? Why was the Midwest the setting for the book? How did it help develop the stories Ralph told?

Essay Topic 2

Ralph has many theories about people that he shares throughout the book. One such theory is that people are put into two groups: Official People and The Rest of Us. Discuss Ralph's theory, and decide if he is correct or if there are faults with his theory. Use examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Ralph was clearly fascinated by the Little Orphan Annie Secret Circle Club. Explain why he was so determined to be part of the membership club. Why did he feel such a need for membership? What did he learn about commercialism and real life from the secret club? Why was it a lesson he kept with him into his adulthood?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 312 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample