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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 trouble does White mention he has when writing, due to his impaired vision?

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

3. In a memo to Harold Ross, how many inches does White say that the height of taxi cab doors are?

4. What town's fifth grade students receive a letter from White, answering their questions about "Charlotte's Web"?

5. What does the Dirksen amendment involve?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does White categorize "Charlotte's Web" in his October, 1952 letter to Ursula Nordstrom of Harper & Brothers, and what are the sales like for the book's first edition?

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

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

4. Who does the illustrations for "Charlotte's Web", and what does White send to his publisher to help with the drawing of Charlotte?

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

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

7. What joke does White make to his brother, Stanley, before having a hernia operation?

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

9. What ailments does White have in 1963, and how does he write about his recovery?

10. How long does White study the screenplay for "Charlotte's Web" and what suggestions does he make?

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

E.B. White provides an autobiography about his family background as the preface for the "Letters of E.B. White".

1) Describe the background of White's parents and what led them to make their home in Mt. Vernon.

2) Explain which siblings White is closest to and why.

3) Describe the help and encouragement that White receives while growing up.

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)

This section contains 995 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample