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

2. Jerome decides to give Emma...

3. Jerome is weary from...

4. For Christmas presents, Jerome...

5. Donald apologizes to Jerome for having been...

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is it about the spotted skunks that is special?

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

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

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

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

9. Why does Jerome decide to give Emma money for Christmas, rather than a gift?

10. 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.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on the subject of taming wild raccoons. Research to find out what kinds of problems, laws and other issues face people who allow raccoons to become pets. In conclusion, advise and convince your audience as to your educated opinion on domesticating raccoons.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Much of the Kildee House story is involved with wild animals. Find the ways in which the author uses the animals as symbolism, and to draw parallels to human life.

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This section contains 962 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample