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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. Which Kentucky newspaper publishes White's sonnet about a race's winning horse?

2. Where does White travel to after disappearing from the New Yorker?

3. Which one of the following is not included in the list of people White says will read the pamphlet he worked on in Washington?

4. How does White describe publicity to Alice while working at the American Legion News Service?

5. How does White categorize his debate with the New York Herald Tribune?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does White decline a job offer from the Saturday Review?

2. What complications does Katharine have while giving birth to their son in 1931?

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

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

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

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

7. How does White show Katharine her importance in his life?

8. What does White do after he returns from his road trip?

9. What is Katharine Angell's background?

10. What happens during White's early New York Times interview?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

White and Howard Cushman travel across the country in 1922 to learn about writing and life.

1) Describe Howard Cushman, his situation, and why he wants to embark on a cross country trip.

2) Explain White's motivation for the trip and what he hopes to accomplish.

3) Analyze White's job with the Seattle Times and his relationship with Alice Burchfield during the time of his trip.

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

An editorial in the New York Herald Tribune outrages White, whose response sparks a public debate.

1) Explain the editorial that is published in the New York Herald Tribune and the "loyalty oath" it discusses.

2) Describe why White objects to the editorial and his letter to the New York Herald Tribune.

3) Explain the New York Herald Tribune's response to White and why they consider his thinking to be dangerous during that time in American history.

4) Analyze the irony in White's criticism of a newspaper publishing an opinion that he disagrees with.

(see the answer keys)

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