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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. What do the guards make Rifka's family do at the Polish border?

2. Who had made the undergarments Rifka wears?

3. What job does Saul get while waiting on his family to get well?

4. What kind of fruit does Rifka buy from the vendor at the steamship dock?

5. Who eats the food that Rifka had saved for Saul?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is revealed about why Rifka and her family had to leave Russia?

2. What humiliating things are forced upon Rifka and her family by the guards and a doctor at the Polish border?

3. Describe Rifka's personality traits and which is probably her strongest trait?

4. What is Uncle Avrum's role in helping Rifka's family escape on the train?

5. How is life in Russia better for Tovah than it was for Rifka?

6. What does Rifka tell Tovah about her role in the family's escape plan?

7. Where is Rifka sent for her ringworm treatment and what organization is shepherding her through the process?

8. What kind deed does Rifka do for a girl on the train to Warsaw which will have negative repercussions for her?

9. What disease is Rifka diagnosed with in Poland and what is her prognosis?

10. What is Rifka doing as the novel opens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Letters from Rifka" is a letter-based novel. Explain the concept of what a letter-based novel is and cite examples that support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Karen Hesse is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony, and briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

Write a character sketch of Rifka. Be sure to include both physical and emotional characteristics as well as personal motivations, fears, etc.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 805 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample