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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 does Daddy feed Ma?

2. What is in the pail that Ma grabs in the kitchen?

3. What does Daddy think about Ma's idea to get water to the crops?

4. For what fruit does Billie Jo have a fondness?

5. What musical instrument does Billie Jo like?

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. How does Billie Jo earn money playing the piano?

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

4. Describe the dust storm that wakes Billie Jo at night.

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

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

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

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

9. What is Billie Jo looking forward to regarding the apples?

10. What is the significance of the snowfall in Autumn 1934?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Billie Jo view her mother before her death? How does her perception change after Ma dies? Are her reactions normal? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Who is Mad Dog and what role does he play in Billie Jo's life as the story extends? Cite examples to support your answer.

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 992 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample