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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 happens to concerts in Europe when war breaks out?

2. When Maria meets the Captain, who is he about to become engaged to?

3. What happened to the Captain's first wife?

4. After seeing Maria's baby clothes, what does Mrs. Drinker do?

5. Why does Maria feel it's all right for the family to sing on radio?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the "American Farmer?"

2. What happens to the family's clothes when they get their laundry done in New York at the rate of six cents a pound?

3. After Maria and Georg marry, the family settles into a routine. Describe their typical evening.

4. When the von Trapp family vacations with Georg's distant cousin Peter, what do they find odd about him?

5. When the mother of a famous harpsichordist advises the family that they need to get themselves a publicist, what do the von Trapps do?

6. Describe the conversation between Maria and Princess Yvonne in Maria's room at the villa.

7. The children don't know what an Advent wreath is. How does Maria describe it to them?

8. After Maria returns home from her kidney stone procedure, the family gets a long distance call. What information do they receive during this call?

9. Why does Maria feel uncomfortable when she first arrives at the Trapp Villa?

10. When a famous performer, Lotte Lehmann, hears the family practice and encourages them to enter a singing contest, what happens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The von Trapps seem to have a lukewarm relationship with their managers, at least initially. Despite managers' concerns that the family doesn't have enough audience appeal, they offer contracts. Why? What do they see in the family that propels them to take a chance on their singing act? Explain in detail.

Essay Topic 2

Explain how the Von Trapp family demonstrates the qualities of persistence and resilience. Use at least three examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Life at the Von Trapp Villa undergoes a significant transformation when the newest governess, Maria, arrives.

1. Describe what life was like for the children and their father at their villa before Maria joins them.

2. Explain what new routines and activities they partake in after her arrival.

3. In your opinion, was the family better off before or after Maria came into their lives? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 820 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample