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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. Although Emma Lou wants to buy boots with her money, her mother wants her to...

2. As a team effort, Donald and Emma Lou share the task of...

3. When the storm dies down, Jerome's house...

4. The weather for Jerome's Christmas party is...

5. Jerome knows now that he must do something about...

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the pipe smoking among the Eppy men. Would this seem unusual today?

2. How does Jerome generate the spirit of Christmas in preparation for the party? Again, compare this to a Christmas party you might have at home.

3. What activities seem to bring the two kids together? Why?

4. Poor Jerome is discouraged. How do we know this?

5. Discus Jerome's developing attitude toward Donald. Why does he not go ahead and welcome Donald to come visit?

6. What becomes clear about Donald's need to compete with Emma Lou? What is his problem with her?

7. How do Jim Hinkle and Jerome become friends?

8. Why is Jerome feeling stressful?

9. Is there some symbolism in Jerome experiencing the huge storm that moved his redwood tree?

10. Discuss Emma Lou's response to the discovery that Donald has been visiting Jerome. How is Jerome affected?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Based upon the date the story was written, speculate the origins of the Eppy family. Could they have been refugees from the dust bowl disaster? Consider Emma Lou's propensity to carry on a feud, as well as her family yell. Compose a fictional account of the Eppys' journey to northern California.

Essay Topic 2

The two children in the story, Emma Lou Eppy and Donald Roger Cabot, are sworn enemies who deliberately think of ways to hurt one another. Is this an example of normal adolescent flirtation, or is there something more that separates the two children? What makes them so different from one another? Is there an underlying cause, besides a difference of opinion about hunting?

Essay Topic 3

Emma Lou has a full life, but not in the way children do today. Write an essay, gleaning from the story all of her chores and responsibilities. Compare and contrast Emma Lou's school day to today's child, and make a convincing argument for the simple life she lives. How does she spend her free time? Why are her interests focused on nature?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,062 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample