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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 does Ezra put in his arms?

2. Why does Nyle come back outside?

3. For what does Ezra thank Nyle?

4. What does Mr. Perry want Nyle to do?

5. What does Mr. Perry tell Nyle?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. What are signs of Ezra's improvement?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

In chapter 15, Nyle brings up the idea of Mrs. Trent and Ezra staying on after Ezra is well. Gran tells her that it is important for them to make a fresh start, and in order to do so, Mrs. Trent and Ezra need to leave. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. Do you think Mrs. Trent and Ezra would be unable to heal emotionally from the accident if they continue to live in the area? Why or why not?

2. This small act of letting go that Nyle does in chapter 15 is a prelude to a much greater act of letting go that Nyle must do in chapter 29. What happens that helps Nyle mature to the point that she learns to let go? Give some examples of her maturing process between chapters 15 and 29.

3. At this point in the story, it seems possible that Ezra will heal completely and be able to start a new life elsewhere. Knowing how so much of what happens in this chapter and the next 10 or so chapters, points to a complete recovery, how hard is it for you, the reader, to also "let go" and accept that Ezra dies? Do you feel tricked or cheated?

(see the answer keys)

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