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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 does Daddy say uses up more water than the wheat?

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

4. What noteworthy event happens in Hawaii in the summer of 1934?

5. Which of the following does not hurt Billie Jo's hands?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Who is Billie Jo? What does she like? Where does she live and who is her family?

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

5. How does Billie Jo earn money playing the piano?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

OUT OF THE DUST is a verse novel. Explain the concept of what a verse novel is and cite examples that support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 928 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample