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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. In what month is Molly's birthday?

2. What are the names of the two delivery boys that work at Nielsen's store when Vivian begins living with the Nielsens?

3. How old does Mr. Grote tell Vivian he is in Section 3?

4. Who is the first boy that gives Vivian a promise ring?

5. In what year did the Schatzmans immigrate to the U.S. from Germany?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Vivian's impressions of her temporary home after she has left the Grotes' home in Section 4?

2. What similarities between Vivian and Molly are illustrated in Section 3?

3. Why do the Nielsens ask Vivian to change her name in Section 4? How does Vivian respond?

4. Where does Vivian go after leaving the Grotes' home in Section 4? Who does she ask for help?

5. What causes the Byrnes' financial problems in Section 3? How does this impact Vivian?

6. What are the benefits that both Molly and Vivian incur as a result of Vivian's stories in Section 4?

7. Who adopts Vivian after she leaves the Byrnes' home in Section 3? What are the motivations of this couple?

8. What leads up to Mr. Sorenson's arrival in Section 3? Why does Mr. Sorenson come to the Byrnes' home?

9. What are some of the historical aspects of Orphan Train that are presented in Section 3?

10. What information does Mr. Sorenson relate when he returns in Section 4? What are Vivian's options at this point?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the narrative styles of the Prologue and the main body of the book. How does the Prologue differ from the novel itself in terms of narration? Why do you think the author chose to narrate the Prologue in this manner? How do the narrative transitions work in the main body of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the conflicts between Vivian and Mary after Vivian arrives at the Byrnes’ residence. How does Mary act toward Vivian? Why does she act this way, according to Fanny? Do you think that Mary’s fears are valid? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the characters of Dina and Ralph Thibodeaux in Orphan Train. What characteristics stand out about Dina and Ralph? Do you think that Dina and Ralph are likeable characters? Why or why not? What do you think motivates each of these characters in the story?

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