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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. Why is Michael Reagan teased at Sunday school?

2. Why did the Savilles and their neighbors go into Harry's bomb shelter in Part 1, Chapter 4?

3. How does Harry punish Colin for taking Steven to the hut?

4. Why does Ellen buy Colin's uniform too large for him?

5. Who helps with Ellen's dying parents in Part 3, Chapter 16?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. In Part 3, Chapter 16, how does Colin describe the teachers at his school?

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

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

9. What do the Savilles begin to do every Sunday in Part 2, Chapter 8?

10. How did Harry build his bomb shelter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Colin's educational philosophies as a teacher. How did he exemplify these beliefs? What did his beliefs mean to him? How did they change over time? What is your opinion of Colin's philosophies?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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