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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. From where do the people in #34 come?

2. Where does Ralph go to look for saddles for Lonnie and himself?

3. Ralph learns about how a man should react ___________________.

4. What happens to most of the riders?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the important thing that Ted shows Ralph as he gives him a tour of the movie set?

3. What is Ralph's opinion of the mechanic when Ralph returns to ask a few questions about the car?

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

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

6. How does the mechanic back out on his deal with the boys, and what does he do to try to keep the boys from taking the car?

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

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

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

10. What are Ralph's two main concerns when he is unable to secure a job after a week?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for Ralph's life. Will he still be alive? Who will be present in his life? Where will he be living? What will his thoughts about the world be at this time? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 936 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample