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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 when Len has a stroke?

2. What did David think would happen eventually after Frank's death?

3. What does Wesley ask David to do concerning Gail?

4. Who is Mel Paddock?

5. Why does David cling to a memory about practicing an activity?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does David think his father has been crying?

2. What does David say about the symbolism of the open grave?

3. Which person that knew the truth about Frank had strokes later?

4. What does David believe about the aftermath of Frank's suicide?

5. What is the story circulating about Frank's death?

6. Who probably knows the truth about Frank's death and what does David think the person will do?

7. What does David say about his life in North Dakota?

8. What does Gail want Wesley to find out concerning Marie's funeral and why does she want to know this?

9. What does Gail urge Wesley to do concerning Gloria?

10. Why does David's family not attend Marie's funeral?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

David seems to believe that he doesn't quite fit into life. He says that he believes there is some secret to being comfortable in situations and that he hasn't quite learned the secret.

1. Discuss other reasons David does not think he fits into his life. Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

2. Discuss the ways in which David’s feelings might be universal among all teenagers. Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss points that you might tell David if he was explaining to you how he feels about himself. Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the book more interesting.

1. Research the life of Larry Watson, the book's author.

2. What events in Watson's background may have helped him in writing Montana 1948? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

4. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of Watson's agenda. What textual evidence supports your opinion?

5. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface? Why or why not?

6. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author? Explain your answer with examples.

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a role in persuading a person to read a particular book.

1. Explain why you think Montana 1948 is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever finished reading a book and questioned why it was given its title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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