View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Who has a reputation for cheating customers at his store?

3. What does Daddy do as a result of Ma's injuries?

4. Billie Jo likes seeing new places and ________________________.

5. What do Daddy and Ma argue about?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What happens when Daddy blows his nose or coughs after a dust storm?

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

4. What are Ma's injuries and how does Daddy take care of her?

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

6. What is the dust a metaphor for?

7. What does Daddy do for work since the wheat crop is failing?

8. What is the irony of Ma not liking Billie Jo to play the piano?

9. How are Billie Jo's injuries treated?

10. What is the argument about a pond between Daddy and Ma?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the irony of Billie Jo's piano playing after her hands are burned.

Essay Topic 2

Despite the extremely trying times of people living in the dust bowl era, they are very generous and supportive of each other. Cite at least three examples that show this strength of character and generosity.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 917 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample