View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Thomas proud of Charlie on the day that Big Joe comes to school?

2. Why do the boys end up enjoying their Saturdays?

3. Why doesn't Charlie see Molly or Thomas much after the Bertha incident?

4. Who is Charlie?

5. Why are the boys happy after Grandma Wolf is no longer there?

Short Essay Questions

1. What animal does Big Joe love and who does not share his enthusiasm for the creatures?

2. How has Molly changed when she visits on Christmas Eve and how does Thomas feel about her?

3. Describe Thomas and Charlie's poaching experience.

4. Why is Thomas glad to be working at the same farm as Charlie?

5. What effect does Charlie taking Bertha have on his relationship with Molly?

6. How does Thomas and Charlie get rid of the food they do not like?

7. Why is the punishment not so bad and how do the boy mark the end of their punishment period?

8. How does Thomas' father die?

9. At the novel's opening, what does Thomas Peaceful want to remember this night?

10. Why is Charlie upset by the Colonels plans for Bertha and what does he do to thwart those plans?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character and wonder if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Private Peaceful help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Private Peaceful? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Private Peaceful to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Private Peaceful, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Private Peaceful. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

1. What is foreshadow? How many incidences of foreshadow are in Private Peaceful? How does foreshadow contribute to a book's suspense?

2. Discuss an example of foreshadow in Private Peaceful including why you believe it is foreshadow. Include examples from the book and your own life to illustrate your answer.

3. How do you think most people react to uncertainty in their lives? Use examples from Private Peaceful and your own live to support your opinion.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,055 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample