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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. On the bus ride home, what is Ezra happy to report?

2. Why does Ezra start writing?

3. What is a word that might describe Ezra?

4. What does she do after sitting down?

5. Where does Ezra go with Nyle?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Muncie try to prepare Nyle for Ezra's possible death?

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

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

4. What happens that probably garners sympathy for Ripley on the part of the characters and readers?

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

6. What is a theme that appears in this chapter, which has appeared in previous chapters and give an example of how the theme is illustrated.

7. Do you think the government would be as unresponsive in "real" life to people caught in a nuclear accident such as the one that happens in this story?

8. What are signs of Ezra's improvement?

9. How do you think the image of sheep is used by Ezra in this chapter?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the opening to the story, we are immediately introduced to the main character, Nyle, her best friend, Muncie, and a minor antagonist character, Ripley Powers. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed essay using specific examples and details:

1. Thoroughly describe and analyze Ripley Powers and his role in the book--using examples from the entire book. How does he help drive the plot? Is he a likable character? Is there anything about him that is redeemable?

2. Thoroughly describe and analyze Muncie and her role in the book--using examples from the entire book. How does she help drive the plot? Is she a likable character? What about her is not so likable?

3. Analyze the interactions between Nyle and Ripley. Is Ripley totally at fault? Could Nyle have done something differently to avoid conflict? What?

Essay Topic 2

In chapter 4, the girls are reading in their English class is about death. Muncie asks Nyle if she thinks the refugees should have left the mountain or not. The two girls differ in their opinion. Perhaps it is this difference of opinion that compels Nyle to not "dare" tell Muncie about Ezra. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. Many people seem to think they can "catch" radiation poisoning from people who have it. Can they? Or is this just an excuse to not deal with something that most people would want to forget?

2. Up until now, it is easy to blame Nyle more than Muncie for the rift in their friendship, but do you think Muncie's attitude justifies Nyle's hesitation? Or do you think Muncie would "deal with it?"

3. Do you think it is realistic to think the people on the mountain would have stayed there and suffered certain, horrible death? Would you be willing to have strangers in your home who may be dying from radiation poisoning? Even if it could not affect you physically?

Essay Topic 3

In chapter 9, Muncie's tone gets judgmental about the people sick with radiation, an attitude which seems prevalent in many outlying communities away from the most badly-stricken areas. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. Why do you think Muncie and others are judgmental about the people who have radiation poisoning? Give examples to back up your thesis.

2. Whose fault is the entire accident? Is that something anyone knows? Do the people who do not work at the plant think everyone who does work there is somehow to blame?

3. Would you be willing to work at a nuclear power plant? What if it offered higher-than-average wages? Would there be any inducement enticing enough to get you to work at one? Why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

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