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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 happens when Muncie, Nyle and Ezra get to the house?

2. What is Nyla's assignment for History?

3. What does Ezra keep with him though he no longer needs it?

4. Why does Ripley stop Muncie, Nyle, and Ezra?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What sort of epiphany does Nyle have about Ezra as he begins to heal?

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

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

8. What is ironic about Nyle's response to Ezra's announcement about school?

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

10. How does Nyle react to the idea of Ezra wearing Gramps clothing and what do you think is the reason for her reaction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The contrast between Mrs. Trent's (and Ezra's as well) background and that of the sheep farmers is obvious in this chapter when Nyle notices several contrasts between her and Mrs. Trent. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. What are the contrast that Nyle notices?

2. Do you think Mrs. Trent feels the contrast as greatly as Nyle does? Why or why not?

3. What do you think a possible theme suggested by the scene when Nyle notices her hands compared to Mrs. Trent's? Can you find threads of this theme elsewhere?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Wrapping it up. Choose one of the following and write a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance:

1. Trace a major theme in the book using examples from numerous points in the book. Tell why you think it is a major theme and any symbols that illustrate the theme.

2. Compare and contrast who Nyle is at the beginning of the book versus the Nyle at the end of the book. Use details and examples to illustrate your points.

3. What do you think might have been the author's reason (i.e., the author's agenda) for writing this book? Give detailed examples to support your response.

(see the answer keys)

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