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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 is the other name of Highway 6?

2. What does Deanna use, instead of a stamp, on her letter to Nannie?

3. What does Crys say that Uncle Rickie calls "boogers"?

4. What is the organized hunt in Arizona called?

5. How old is Deanna?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the first cold day a day that Deanna will never forget?

2. Garnett has previously ignored his doctor's suggestion to have cataract surgery but is now reconsidering. Why?

3. In Chapter 19, Deanna is exhibiting what symptoms that causes Eddie to think that she is anemic and Deanna to think she is menopausal?

4. In Chapter 25, what does Deanna remember as the closest thing to an explanation of the birds and the bees that she ever got?

5. In Chapter 23, what are Garnett and Nannie's differing views on old age?

6. In Chapter 24, what reason does Lusa give Jewel for using every bit of produce from her garden?

7. Deanna finally opens up to Eddie about her half-sister, in Chapter 16. What does she tell him?

8. What does Hannie-Mavis tell Lusa is the real reason that Cole's family does not seem to embrace her?

9. What is the "decrease predator - increase prey" concept that Deanna tries to explain to Eddie in Chapter 19?

10. What secret does Lusa tell Crys, in Chapter 21?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "Prodigal Summer", Nannie attempts to explain the "Volterra Principle" to Garnett. Explain, in depth, what this is. What does it have to do with pesticide use? Why, according to Nannie, is it being kept quiet and by whom?

Essay Topic 2

Barbara Kingsolver is a biologist originally from Kentucky, with a home in southern Appalachia. Discuss what you believe to be her intention in writing this book. Did she mean for there to be a deeper meaning to the book other than ordinary fiction? Is it merely coincidence that she writes about a place and subjects that she is well versed in? Do you believe that she is trying to sway your opinion in areas such as eco-systems, hunting, or tobacco? Give precise reasons for your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Jewel has had to make the hardest decision of her life, deciding what is best for her children after her death. Describe, in depth, the situation and the people involved in this decision. What steps are taken to allow her to come to her decision? Whom does she choose? Whom does she not choose? Explain the reasoning for her decision.

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