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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. How does Ezra treat his studies?

2. What is Nyle's fear about Gran and the Trents?

3. What happens to Ezra as they walk towards the house?

4. What does Gran and Nyle deliver to Aunt May and Uncle Lemmy?

5. Where does Nyle sit?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

4. How does Muncie prove that despite her ups and downs with her friendship with Nyle she is a true friend?

5. What are signs of Ezra's improvement?

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

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

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

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

10. 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.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

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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