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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 Hollis know that she must call Beatrice?

2. What does Hollis think about the Regans one morning?

3. What does Josie give to Hollis for Christmas?

4. What does Hollis want to announce from the top of the mountain?

5. Hollis remembers that Steven once said that in modern times Santa Claus would come _________________ instead of a sleigh.

Short Essay Questions

1. What clues does Hollis have that Steven is playing Santa Claus for her and Josie in the summer house?

2. Describe how Hollis quickly prepares for her escape trip with Josie.

3. How does Hollis feel when she sees Old Man's Mountain as they near the summer house, and what does she say to the Old Man in her head?

4. What is Steven's response when Hollis tells him the reason why she did not want to go back to the Regans' house?

5. Why does Hollis not ask Josie about the green sweater now hanging in the shed but which Hollis had left at the riverbank the day she saw someone on the opposite bank?

6. Why does Hollis run away from the Regans' home after the truck accident and refuse to see any of them again?

7. Describe Hollis' encounter with Steven in the woods as she is walking to make a phone call to Beatrice.

8. Why does Hollis not want to think about leaving the summer house even though Josie's mental capacities are shrinking and she is homesick?

9. What does Hollis draw for the Eighth Picture, End of Summer, when the Regans tell her they want her to be part of their family?

10. What startles Hollis when she tries to fish on the riverbank?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Beatrice. What is her role in the story? What was the author trying to accomplish by developing Beatrice's character in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Patricia Reilly Giff is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony, and briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of family. Identify at least two instances about family in the book and then cite examples to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,358 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample