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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 Billie Jo think she should get extra credit in class?

2. To what state is Billie Jo's best friend moving?

3. What crop is dying and drying up?

4. What does Billie Jo see on the way to the store?

5. Which of the following is not one of the things Billie Jo expects to eat after the apples are ripe?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is the dust a metaphor for?

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

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

6. How do Billie Jo and Daddy interact now that Ma is gone?

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

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

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

10. How are Billie Jo's injuries treated?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

The climax of the story is Billie Jo's little train trip and her return home. Explain the meaning of a story's climax. Why does this situation quality as the climax of this story?

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)

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