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. What disappoint Amanda about the weather of her new home with John Paul?

2. What did Marx previously conclude about Christianity, prior to his employment by the Zillers?

3. In what branch of the military was Plucky once enlisted?

4. What is significant about Amanda's pregnancy on the first night of her relationship with Ziller?

5. What story does Plucky tell the rednecks to appease their anger at the circus folk?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is John Paul distracted when he and Amanda begin to restore the shack and how does she feel about it?

2. Who is Amanda?

3. What happens to Amanda's pregnancy?

4. What are the differing opinions on the spiritual power of thunderstorms?

5. How does the narrator equate butterflies to John Paul and Amanda?

6. What are Marx's impressions of the hot dog stand?

7. How does Plucky Purcell keep the rednecks from hassling the circus?

8. What are some of the potential obstacles to Amanda and John Paul's relationship and how do they work around them?

9. What solution does Amanda come up with in regards to the animal portion of their zoo?

10. How does John Paul pay for Amanda's hospitalization?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The beginning is the end is the beginning. Discuss the cyclical natures of both beginnings and ends in regards to "Another Roadside Attraction." Develop a clear thesis statement and an outline in order to clarify your thoughts. Be sure to focus on several different elements, including (but not exclusively) religion, characters, and death.

Essay Topic 2

Compose an essay about the role natural elements from the earth play in "Another Roadside Attraction" in the following format:

Part 1) Thunderstorms.

Part 2) Mushrooms.

Part 3) Earthquakes.

Part 4) Sun and solar radiation.

Part 5) The food and beverage offered at the roadside zoo.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay focusing on the characterization of Plucky Purcell. Detail how his family life, collegiate exploits, and various careers in life showcase a conflicted, possibly hypocritical character whose anarchist tendencies led him to making a discovery about the Catholic Church that could topple over the world. Make sure to also analyze the note found on his body after helping to launch the experimental balloon. Develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,298 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample