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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 label does the New York Herald Tribune give to White while responding to his criticism of their editorial?

2. Which one of the following is not a writer that White works with at the New Yorker?

3. Where does Katharine travel to in order to get her divorce before marrying White?

4. According to a 1931 letter to Katharine, how much does White pay for a pair of sandals at Sears Roebuck?

5. How many years do White and Katharine spend in Greenwich Village?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the New York Herald Tribune's response to White's letter, and how does he reply?

2. What is the topic of the humorous letter of outrage that White sends to Harold Ross in July, 1945?

3. How does White begin writing for the New Yorker, and what does he do once his position becomes permanent?

4. What does White write about his brother, Stanley, and his sister, Lillian?

5. What is Katharine Angell's background?

6. What impulsive decision does White write to Katharine about in May, 1937?

7. Why does Katharine hesitate before agreeing to marry White?

8. What happens in 1941 that leads to White's work in Washington?

9. What unscheduled vacation does White take from the New Yorker and how does he inform them of his absence?

10. How does White discuss his interest in movies with Stanley in a March, 1937 letter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Charlotte's Web" is considered to be White's most popular book and one of the most recognized children's stories for several reasons.

1) Describe White's farm and the inspiration behind the ideas that formed "Charlotte's Web".

2) Explain White's concerns with the illustrations for the book, "Charlotte's Web", and how he resolves them with his publisher.

3) Describe the issues that White has with the cover art for the book, "Charlotte's Web", the suggestions and advice that he gives to his publisher, and why the advice is particularly appropriate.

4) Analyze White's reaction to the success of "Charlotte's Web", and whether or not he is surprised that it connects with children in such a huge way.

Essay Topic 2

Describe in detail three examples of how White uses his creativity and writing skills to communicate with Katharine and show her how important she is to his life. Include an analysis of what techniques White uses and why they are effective.

Essay Topic 3

White answers a number of letters and questions from students about writing and education in general.

1) Describe White's explanation of the process for writing a book to a fourth-grade class in Columbus, Ohio.

2) Explain White's advice to a depressed college student as well as his advice to a confused senior, and his comments about his own writing identity.

3) Compare and contrast the advice that he gives to his granddaughter, Martha, with the responses that he sends to other college students.

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