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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. When does White learn about the death of James Thurber?

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

3. Which Mozart piece does White recommend for the "Charlotte's Web" movie?

4. How does Cathy Durham's librarian respond to White's letter to Cathy?

5. Which one of the following is a concern that White has about the illustrations in "Charlotte's Web"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does White's response to Cathy Durham generate controversy, and what solution does his publisher implement?

4. How does White explain the process of writing a book to fourth-graders of Columbus, Ohio?

5. How does White describe the beginning days of the New Yorker to an author that is researching a book?

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

7. What complications does White have with his vision in 1982, and how many years does he provide newsbreaks for the New Yorker before retiring?

8. What feedback and advice does White offer to James Thurber for the story,"The Thirteen Clocks"?

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

10. Why does White write to Maine Sen. Margaret Chase Smith?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze White's early childhood and how it inspired him to begin writing. Also, include why he began writing at such an early age, his opinion of school, the subjects of his earliest letters, and how they show the initial development of his writing style.

Essay Topic 2

Katharine passes away and her legacy is secured as White contributes to his own biography towards the end of his life.

1) Describe the change in White's writing after Katharine passes away, how her literary effects help establish her legacy, and the way her book, "Onward and Upward in the Garden" is published.

2) Explain the contributions that White makes to his biography as it is being written and his opinion of the finished book.

3) Analyze the ways that E.B. White will be remembered along with the impact of his work in writing and entertainment.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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