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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 event is held at the courthouse?

2. What helps Billie Jo escape life's problems?

3. What does Billie Jo wish she could do in town?

4. What does Billie Jo call playing piano on stage?

5. When did Ma start to teach Billie Jo how to play the piano?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ma react when a brief rain comes in the Summer of 1934?

2. Explain how people view Billie Jo now that her hands are injured.

3. How does Billie Jo feel about the piano since Ma has died?

4. What happens in the aftermath of Ma's death?

5. How does Mad Dog make Billie Jo feel like things are back to normal at least for a little bit?

6. Explain the symbolism of Ma's death which corresponds with the devastation of the apple trees.

7. In addition to her love for music, what other force drives Billie Jo to have beautiful experiences?

8. Who is Livie?

9. What is the issue with the rabbits and why is Billie Jo so upset about it?

10. Explain Billie Jo's reference to red poppies.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The climax of the story is Billie Jo's little train trip and her return home. Explain the meaning of a story's climax. Why does this situation quality as the climax of this story?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the thought process that Billie Jo has that prompts her to hop a train headed west. What prompts her to return home? What was the purpose of this experience for both Billie Jo and Daddy?

Essay Topic 3

OUT OF THE DUST is a verse novel. Explain the concept of what a verse novel is and cite examples that support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,011 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample