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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. Where is the Dell located?

2. What happened when the Savilles and their neighbors went into Harry's bomb shelter in Part 1, Chapter 4?

3. Where does Colin stay when his mother is in the hospital in Part 1, Chapter 5?

4. What job does Colin do when he works on a farm?

5. In Part 2, Chapter 9, what do Ellen's parents complain about when she visits them?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the house the Savilles move into just outside of Saxton.

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

4. How did Harry build his bomb shelter?

5. What happens when Colin hears a voice while working on the farm in Part 3, Chapter 14?

6. How does Harry act when Colin comes home from taking his examination?

7. When Colin stays with the Shaws in Part 1, Chapter 5, how is his life?

8. Why does Harry decide to go to a different beach in Part 1, Chapter 3?

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

10. What happens on the bus ride to Colin's examination?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose three of Colin's boyhood friends to compare and contrast. What events helped to define these characters? What happens to each of them? What is the point the author is trying to make about childhood development?

Essay Topic 2

The coal mine where Harry works is central to the lives of the Savilles. What is work in the coal mine like? How are miners perceived? How does working in the coal mine define Harry? How does Harry view his work? How does the coal mine help to develop the plot of this novel?

Essay Topic 3

Colin is very concerned with being able to take care of his parents. How does Colin try to care for his parents? How do they receive his help? Why is it so important to Colin to provide for them? How does this develop Colin as a character?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 680 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample