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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. What does the doctor order Ralph to do to recover from the horse falls?

2. The conductor tells Ralph that if Ralph ever needs to jump a train again he should jump a _______________ train.

3. What simulation does the person in #25 show Ralph?

4. What does Ralph think the person in #73 is trying to do?

5. What does Ralph eventually buy?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Ralph negotiate for the next day as Lonnie works on the car?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Ralph and Lonnie. Both young men are trying to carve out new lives but seem to have different methods and goals. How are Ralph and Lonnie alike? How are they different? On what things do they agree? What is the thing that threatens to separate them? What other similarities and dissimilarities are there between the two characters?

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

"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)

This section contains 980 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample