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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does White initially think his biography should be shorter?
(a) He thinks his life is not that interesting.
(b) He thinks the book will be more exciting.
(c) He thinks it will be easier to understand.
(d) He thinks the stories will have more impact.

2. Who first sends White a copy of Strunk's textbook about English usage and style?
(a) The editors of the book.
(b) A relative.
(c) Strunk.
(d) A friend from Cornell.

3. What does White state in the official "letter from the author" that a child receives when writing to him?
(a) That he never dreamed of writing to an author.
(b) That children have always been fans of literature.
(c) That he always dreamed of writing to an author.
(d) That children should read more books.

4. Which Mozart piece does White recommend for the "Charlotte's Web" movie?
(a) Quartet in F Major.
(b) String Quartet No. 10 in C Major.
(c) Symphony in B-flat Major.
(d) Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Major.

5. What is the title of Katharine's posthumous book?
(a) The Garden, Onward and Upward.
(b) Upward in the Garden.
(c) Onward in the Garden.
(d) Onward and Upward in the Garden.

Short Answer Questions

1. When does a new printing for "Charlotte's Web" begin?

2. When is the children's concert of "The Trumpet of the Swan" performed?

3. What does White caution Thurber about his story in the memo?

4. How long does White carefully study the screenplay for "Charlotte's Web" before returning it to his agent with his annotations?

5. Which nuclear physicist does White exchange letters with about nuclear disarmament?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which ailment and animal's escapades does White write to his stepson and his wife about in 1968?

2. What is White's concern with the cover art for "Charlotte's Web" and what appropriate advice does he share?

3. What changes does White experience after Katharine passes away?

4. What are the elements included in the Philadelphia Orchestra's children's concert of "The Trumpet of the Swan" in 1972?

5. What journalistic advice does White give to his granddaughter in 1975?

6. In a December, 1951 letter, how does White respond to a depressed undergraduate student about her plans to become a writer?

7. In another letter to Stanley, what does White say about his use of traction?

8. What is the subject of the exchanged letters between White and President Richard Nixon in July, 1969?

9. What is White's problem with taxi cab doors in his 1950 memo to Harold Ross?

10. How does White contribute to his biography, and when and where does he pass away?

(see the answer keys)

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