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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 little bit of good happens at the beginning of Summer 1934?

2. Billie Jo is glad to be around Mad Dog because he _________________________ or treat her like she's handicapped.

3. Ma is burned so badly that she is _______________________.

4. Billie Jo chooses a set of songs that all have the word ___________ in the title.

5. What does Daddy say uses up more water than the wheat?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Who is Livie?

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

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

6. How does Billie Jo like being on the road and playing piano?

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

8. How does the wandering boy symbolize all the people who want to escape the dust bowl and have a better life in California?

9. How are Billie Jo's injuries treated?

10. How does Mad Dog say he got his nickname? What is his real name?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Explain how Billie Jo's piano serves as a powerful metaphor in the story. Be sure to include the perspective on the piano both before and after Ma's death.

Essay Topic 3

Leaving is a common theme in the story. Cite some examples of people leaving in Billie Jo's life and how she herself longs to leave her existence.

(see the answer keys)

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