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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. Why does Nyle go through her clothes?

2. Why does Nyle learn to cook?

3. How does Ezra begin healing emotionally?

4. Why is Nyle nervous?

5. What does Muncie say about Ezra?

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

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

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

5. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

In chapter 4, the girls are reading in their English class is about death. Muncie asks Nyle if she thinks the refugees should have left the mountain or not. The two girls differ in their opinion. Perhaps it is this difference of opinion that compels Nyle to not "dare" tell Muncie about Ezra. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. Many people seem to think they can "catch" radiation poisoning from people who have it. Can they? Or is this just an excuse to not deal with something that most people would want to forget?

2. Up until now, it is easy to blame Nyle more than Muncie for the rift in their friendship, but do you think Muncie's attitude justifies Nyle's hesitation? Or do you think Muncie would "deal with it?"

3. Do you think it is realistic to think the people on the mountain would have stayed there and suffered certain, horrible death? Would you be willing to have strangers in your home who may be dying from radiation poisoning? Even if it could not affect you physically?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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