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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 do Billie Jo and Daddy encounter on the way to a funeral?

2. Mrs. Love, the government lady, takes applications for males to work ____________ jobs.

3. Where will Billie Jo not allow Louise to go?

4. What amazing discovery is made in Oklahoma during this time?

5. What does the government do to help the farmers?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Billie Jo admit to herself about her mother's death, her father's indifference toward her and her need to escape this life?

2. With whom does Billie Jo share a train car for a short while? Explain that experience and what it teaches Billie Jo.

3. What does Billie Jo think her father is looking for when he looks at her?

4. How does fire seem to be an ever-present threat in Billie Jo's life?

5. Billie Jo has not taken any interest in cleaning the house until she sees someone else scrubbing hardened mud. What does this prompt Billie Jo to do and why does she feel haunted by Ma in her actions?

6. Who is Joe De La Flor and what hardship does he face regarding his cattle?

7. Explain Billie Jo's cautious optimism where Louise is concerned.

8. Who are the unexpected tenants of the schoolhouse for a couple weeks?

9. For what things is Billie Jo thankful on this Thanksgiving?

10. How can something as normal as rain be viewed as special to Billie Jo and the people in town?

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

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

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,137 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample