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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. Who shows up while Nyle is still alone?

2. What does Ezra put in his arms?

3. Where does Gran take the Trents to see about some government assistance?

4. As Nyle is taking wood into her house, what does she spy?

5. About what does Nyle sigh?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do you think indicates Ezra's change of feelings towards Nyle from a stranger to a friend, and perhaps even more? How does this contrast to Nyle's statement in chapter 13?

2. Why do you think Nyle and Ezra are awkward with each other when put in a position that it seems they must acknowledge something about their relationship?

3. How does Nyle and Gran's discussion about the Trent's future show Nyle's continued maturing?

4. Why is Ezra upset after Nyle reads her paper to him?

5. How does Ripley demonstrate that he is a bully?

6. What is admirable about Uncle Lemmy's choices after the nuclear disaster?

7. Describe Muncie's reaction to Nyle wanting to sit next to her on the bus.

8. What is the difference in the way Nyle and Ezra interpret Nyle's history assignment?

9. How does Nyle wisely help Ezra feel comfortable in her room?

10. How does Ezra respond to the sirens they hear, and why do you think he reacts the way he does?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter 19, when Ezra and Nyle are in his room doing homework, the fire department sirens go off. Immediately, he commands Nyle to close the curtains. Nyle tries to calm Ezra's fears, but he succumbs to them anyway. Soon, the sirens dissipate, and they hear a lone fire truck drive by on the road. Ezra recovers quickly and thanks Nyle for understanding. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. How long do you think Ezra will react to stimuli that remind him of the accident? If he lived for many years after this, do you think at some point he would be completely over the trauma of this time? Why or why not?

2. There is a psychological condition called post traumatic stress syndrome (or disease). Learn a little about this state and decide if you think Ezra suffers from this problem. Explain your analysis.

3. What do you think it will take for Ezra to heal?

Essay Topic 2

In chapter 5, Nyle sits on her bed listening to the radio and notices all of her treasures. Nyle looks at all of them and realizes that if the wind shifts, she will have to leave all of her treasures behind. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. Do you think Nyle thinking about her treasures and the loss she would feel changes her attitude towards Ezra. Why or why not?

2. What treasures do you have that would be very difficult to abandon for whatever reason? Would any of them be worth risking your life to save?

3. What lesson(s) does Nyle ultimately learn about what is important? Give examples.

Essay Topic 3

In chapter 8, Nyle thinks about how the back room used to symbolize happiness for her. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. Compare and contrast how the back room was used in better times to the way the back room is used as a "hospital" room.

2. What is ironic about the fact that Nyle's tears of anger and grief are what seems to jolt Ezra into communicating briefly?

3. Does the emotional meaning of the back room change at some point for Nyle? Explain, using examples.

(see the answer keys)

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