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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 happens to the wagon as they cross the creek?

2. What does the family hear during the night of their first night traveling?

3. How does the family come to own two mustangs?

4. What does Pa plan to make after he lays the floor?

5. What are the first two logs Pa put into a ditch for the house called?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the family stop after traveling for a few hours?

2. Where do the Ingalls stop for supplies and where do they spend the first night on the road? What do they hear that first night?

3. How long does it take for Mr. Edwards and Pa to finish the house and why is Mr. Edwards helping them?

4. How does Pa encounter a huge wolf pack and what does he do when they are around him?

5. What does Pa do with Pet and Patty when they camp on the prairie?

6. What do Laura and Mary do after breakfast?

7. What does Pa make for the cabin at the beginning of Chapter 12 and how does Ma help?

8. What does Pa do every morning when digging the well with Mr. Scott and what happens to Mr. Scott in the well one morning?

9. Why does Pa have problems when he feeds Pet and Patty and how is the problem resolved?

10. What does Laura tell her Pa about Jack and the Indians and what is his response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Do you think most people want a happy ending in a novel? Do you think Little House on the Prairie would qualify as a novel with a happy ending? Why or why not? What do you think are three reasons to read fiction and do you think Little House on the Prairie fulfills these three reasons? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

No matter what happens to the Ingalls family, they exhibit a hardy pioneer spirit as they pursue their American dream. They essentially risk their lives for a chance at owning land in virgin territory.

Discuss, in depth, the reason the Ingalls are willing to risk so much by moving to Indian territory. Consider the meaning of pioneer spirit in your answer. Use examples from Little House on the Prairie to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not? Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Little House on the Prairie help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Little House on the Prairie? With which characters do you identify most? Why? Use examples from Little House on the Prairie to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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