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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. Who is Ted Hawkins?

2. Why could Ralph not serve in the war?

3. Who helps Lonnie work on the car?

4. What is the job in the town in #20?

5. In Phoenix, Ralph befriends a couple who owns a ___________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Explain the experience the boys have while trying to get the car up the hills?

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

4. Who is Lonnie, and where do he and Ralph head to look for jobs?

5. Why was Ralph not able to serve in the military during World War I?

6. Why does Lonnie have to walk back to Mesa the next day?

7. What advice does the train conductor give to Ralph about finding a job on a ranch?

8. Why does a doctor order Ralph to stay in bed for a week and what does Ralph do to pass the time?

9. What advice does Mr. Larsen eventually give Lonnie regarding the car?

10. What does Mr. Larsen do to help the boys get the car back and then send them on their way?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Coming of age is an important theme in "Shaking the Nickel Bush". Can you cite an example to support this theme? Name two other themes and cite examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

What is the point of view of the story? What are the benefits and the limitations to this particular point of view? How is the point of view determined? Provide an example that supports your answer.

Essay Topic 3

What is the overall setting for the novel? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Moody choose to use these places in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 866 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample