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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. Why does Daddy get a different job?

2. What ruins the family's winter wheat crop?

3. What does Miss Freeland explain to Billie Jo's class?

4. What is eating the crops?

5. What happens to Ma as Billie Jo is trying to save the apple trees?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the first indications that Billie Jo wants to escape her situation for a brighter life?

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

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

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

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

6. Who is Livie?

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

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

9. What is the importance of the apple trees to Ma and Billie Jo?

10. Explain the accident that severely injures Ma and Billie Jo.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who is Louise and what is her role in the family? Is Billie Jo right to be cautiously optimistic about Louise's presence in her life? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Write a character sketch of Daddy. Be sure to include both physical and emotional characteristics as well as personal motivations, fears, etc.

Essay Topic 3

Write a character sketch of Ma. Be sure to include both physical and emotional characteristics as well as personal motivations, fears, etc.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,018 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample