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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. When the Savilles go sledding in Part 2, Chapter 10, who does not enjoy the activity?

2. What does Ellen do to Harry when Stafford comes over for tea?

3. What does Harry begin to do every night before work in Part 2, Chapter 7?

4. What motivates Harry to create more inventions?

5. At the seashore, how does Colin first react to the water?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Colin feel about the town where his new school is?

2. What were the results of the entrance exam for Colin and his friends?

3. How does Harry feel about his family's vacation to the seashore?

4. Why does Colin get in trouble with his father in Part 2, Chapter 10?

5. Why couldn't Colin live at his own house in Part 1, Chapter 5?

6. In Part 2, Chapter 8, how does Harry treat Colin's practice tests?

7. What happens the first time Colin goes to Sunday school?

8. What happened when Colin and Harry went into the city in Part 1, Chapter 4?

9. Why does Harry look up to Mr. Reagan?

10. What happens when Colin helps a fellow student at school in Part 3, Chapter 13?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the message this author creates about the military? Examine the characters that are either veterans, in the military or considering the military as a career. How are they described? Are their story lines positive or negative? How so?

Essay Topic 2

The hut is an important place for Colin as a boy. Describe the hut and the activities the boys did when they were there. What purpose does the hut serve and why is it included in this novel?

Essay Topic 3

Consider the role of women in Saville. What women were considered acceptable and which were not? What accounts for the differences? Are the women in this novel created any differently than the men? How so? What is the author saying about women in the 1930's? The 1970's? Currently?

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