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

2. How does Ezra begin healing emotionally?

3. What does she do after sitting down?

4. What makes Nyle anger that she runs back to the house?

5. What do Gran, Miriam, Ezra and Nyle decide to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Nyle show wisdom in her interaction with Ezra about the puppy?

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

3. How is Nyle still avoiding making things right with Muncie?

4. How does Muncie respond to Nyle finally telling her about Ezra? Do you think Muncie's response is reasonable?

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

6. Why do you think Ezra stiffens up when they come close to the house and there is smoke?

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

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

9. 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?

10. What gets Nyle thinking about her father and why is she mad at him (though, perhaps she unconscious of the reason)?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter 3, Mr. Sobel, the science teacher, informs the students all about radioactive materials. Nyle reflects on how much better science class was when it was just text in a book and not material that the children experienced firsthand. Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed essay using specific examples and details:

1. What is ironic about Mr. Sobel's science lesson? Do you think the irony is humorous or tragic? Why?

2. We have all heard the statement, "learn by experience." Now it is apparent there are times when that's not the best way to learn. When is learning by experience helpful? When can it be harmful? How does Ezra learn by experience in a harmful way? In a helpful way (see chapter 21)?

3. Which type of learning do you prefer--hands on or book learning? Why?

Essay Topic 2

In chapter 6, Gran tells Nyle to throw her mask out. She says that she threw hers away immediately upon hearing the good news that the leak is capped at the plant. Nyle chooses instead to hang it on a hook in the kitchen as a symbol of remembrance. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. What do you think Nyle will remember by seeing the mask in a year? Ten years? Near the end of her life?

2. Will Nyle's memories change over the months and years? How do you think they will change? How likely is it that she will remember this clearly when she is elderly and reporting the times to her grandchildren?

3. Do you think it is healthier to throw away the mask and move on as Gran does or to keep the mask as a memory as Nyle does? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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