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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 happens when Billie Jo throws the pail outside?

2. Who used to encourage Billie Jo to try out for a sport?

3. Ma thinks they should try growing some crops that do better in dry weather like cotton or ______________.

4. What does Billie Jo call her father since Ma's death?

5. What is Billie Jo's new baby brother named?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. Describe some of the grim scenarios that Billie Jo sees.

10. What are the special rules about setting the table during the dust bowl era?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Billie Jo becomes an outcast due to her hands being deformed after the fire. How does she manage through this stigma? How does she wish people would treat her? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

At the end of the story, Louise places a bowl of perfect apples on the shelf. What is the significance of the apples to Billie Jo and to the story overall? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

What important life lesson does Billie Jo learn from the man on the train? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,115 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample