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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. Mr. Larsen calls a lawyer who is able to reduce the mechanic's bill to what amount?

2. Who is Ralph's family doctor?

3. What town do the boys pull into on their second day of the trip?

4. What does Mr. Larsen give to Ralph and Lonnie before they leave town?

5. What does Ralph accidentally break during the night?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Ralph's mother send him to a doctor and what is the diagnosis?

3. Who is Ralph's family doctor and what does the doctor encourage Ralph to do to help his condition?

4. Why does Ralph give the train conductor a gift and what gift does he give?

5. What are Ralph's plans for employment when he reaches Arizona and why does he have a hard time finding a job?

6. What deal does Ralph make with the movie people and how much does he earn in a week?

7. What advice does the train conductor give Ralph about jumping trains?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Lonnie. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Lonnie?

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the novel and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 3

"Shaking the Nickel Bush" is a classic story of coming of age. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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