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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the content of the letter from Aunt Ellis?
(a) She invites Billie Jo and Daddy to come for a visit
(b) She wants Billie Jo to come live with her
(c) She sends details about her will
(d) She informs Daddy of a relative's death

2. Where does Aunt Ellis live?
(a) Waco, Texas
(b) Portland, Oregon
(c) Albuquerque, New Mexico
(d) Lubbock, Texas

3. Why can the mail train not get through?
(a) It is held up
(b) The dust drifts the tracks like snow
(c) The rails are broken
(d) The engine fails

4. What are the spots on Daddy's face?
(a) Age spots
(b) Cancer
(c) Sun spots
(d) Blemishes

5. What arrives at the school compliments of the government?
(a) New books
(b) Art supplies
(c) Surplus food
(d) A school bus

Short Answer Questions

1. After Mad Dog's performance, Billie Jo knows that he ________________________.

2. At what event is Billie Jo unable to play the piano because her hands hurt?

3. Which of the following does not catch on fire in the town?

4. Why is Mad Dog leaving?

5. What does Billie Jo find in a box of baby clothes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Billie Jo admit to herself about her mother's death, her father's indifference toward her and her need to escape this life?

2. What does Billie Jo think her father is looking for when he looks at her?

3. Why is the lack of cranberry sauce such a poignant lack at Christmas dinner?

4. Billie Jo has not taken any interest in cleaning the house until she sees someone else scrubbing hardened mud. What does this prompt Billie Jo to do and why does she feel haunted by Ma in her actions?

5. Why are the migrant workers leaving the area in such large numbers?

6. Explain Billie Jo's cautious optimism where Louise is concerned.

7. How does Billie Jo block Louise's entry into a part of their lives?

8. With whom does Billie Jo share a train car for a short while? Explain that experience and what it teaches Billie Jo.

9. How does Billie Jo feel about the famous photographer who comes from Canada to take pictures of the dust bowl?

10. Who is Joe De La Flor and what hardship does he face regarding his cattle?

(see the answer keys)

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