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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. The spotted skunks that Jerome has in his care at this time...

2. Emma Lou and Jerome decide to...

3. As food for the raccoons, Donald has brought...

4. Emma Lou promises to return at 7 p.m. to...

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

Short Essay Questions

1. 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.

2. Emma Lou's life is busier than today's students'. Describe her day and compare it to your own.

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

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

5. Why are Jerome Kildee's nerves frayed at this time? There is more than one reason.

6. Discuss what Emma has managed to teach the skunks to do as tricks.

7. What can the reader deduce about Jerome's cooking skills? Why?

8. What does Jerome seem to realize after Donald's appearance in this chapter? Why does he invited him for dinner?

9. Jerome is more comfortable with Emma Lou and Donald now. Why?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many clues throughout the story that suggest that Donald Cabot comes from a wealthy family, including his dog who is of the "bluest blood." Do a careful reading and determine what kind of people the Cabots are, and what kind of kid Donald is. Is he spoiled and indulged? Does he take for granted his resources and his family's position? Prove your point with text.

Essay Topic 2

Explore the first real turning point in the story that bonds Kildee and Emma Lou, and drives an even more severe wedge between Emma Lou and Donald Cabot. What is the real source of Emma's and Jerome's grief? Why do they become so upset to lose one of the raccoons, when they have so many to enjoy? What qualities have they assigned to Charmine? Why do they not grieve, for example, the death of the pack rats who are killed by skunks?

Essay Topic 3

Emma Lou and Donald bring a lot of tension and worry to Jerome's formerly peaceful life. Identify it and describe what it is that causes him to be "fussed" much of the time. Is their friendship worth it to Jerome? How do they add to his life? What do they take from his life?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,092 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample