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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 Ezra command Nyle to close the curtain?

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

3. What is a word that might describe Ezra?

4. Why does Nyle go through her clothes?

5. What does Nyle do when the two arrive at school?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do you think indicates Ezra's change of feelings towards Nyle from a stranger to a friend, and perhaps even more? How does this contrast to Nyle's statement in chapter 13?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In chapter 2, Nyle states that she is not going to make friends with a dead boy. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed essay using specific examples and details:

1. Why do you think Nyle says that she is not going to make friends with a dead boy? Is she that heartless, or does she actually have a huge heart? Elaborate on your answer using specific examples from the book.

2. How is Ezra similarly vulnerable as far as loving and losing as Nyle is? Does he respond in a similar fashion to Nyle to the idea of loss? Or different? Elaborate on your answer using specific examples from the book.

3. How do you respond to loss of something/someone you love? Or have you lost a loved one? What is the most difficult thing about loss? Elaborate on your answer using specific examples from your life experiences.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

In chapter 6, Mrs. Trent asks Nyle if she would dip the washcloth into the sweet water and dab it on Ezra's lips. Immediately, Nyle remembers her grandmother promised that she would not have to tend to Ezra's physical needs, but she sees the look of exhaustion on Mrs. Trent's face and decides that this is another one of those things that "she needed to do." Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. Compare and contrast how Nyle feels about caring for Ezra when she first starts the care giving to near the end of the time Nyle has to care for him.

2. What do you think shifts Nyle's attitude? Give examples.

3. Do you think it is fair of Gran to expect Nyle to care for a stranger? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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