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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 could Ralph not serve in the war?

2. The movie company is having trouble finding people to do what?

3. Where do Lonnie and Ralph get most of the parts to fix the car?

4. Why does Lonnie drive the car off the side of the road a few miles outside Phoenix?

5. In what city does Ralph meet Lonnie?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Ralph question whether or not the car was a wise purchase?

2. Why does Ralph decide to leave Phoenix and go to Wickenburg?

3. What is Ralph's opinion of the movie set and who is surprisingly working there?

4. What does Lonnie do while driving and learning that Ralph is willing to let Lonnie be part owner of the vehicle?

5. What does Ralph teach himself to do at the movie set?

6. Who creates a commotion on the movie set one night?

7. What is revealed about Ralph's character in the first two chapters?

8. What job is Ted having a hard time filling on the movie set and how much could Ralph earn is he were willing to do it?

9. How does the second group of riders fare when it is their turn to take the falls?

10. What deal does Lonnie make for the car and what is Mr. Larsen's opinion of the deal?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Despite the extremely trying times in this post-World War I era, the people who Ralph meets are, for the most part, very generous and supportive of each other. Cite at least three examples that show this strength of character and generosity.

Essay Topic 2

There is much symbolism in this story, especially the car. Cite at least three examples of symbolism and support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the typical prognosis for someone like Ralph who is diagnosed with diabetes in the early 1900s. Why was Ralph's trip important in many ways? What was Ralph's state of mind in trying to change the course of his life despite the prognosis?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 982 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample