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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 Mr. Perry reassure Nyle?

2. What book does Ezra choose out of Nyle's collection?

3. What do Nyle and Ezra do every night?

4. What does Nyle wish about her book collection?

5. What do Muncie and Nyle finally discuss?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. 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?

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

8. 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?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 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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