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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. Why does the family receive a phone call from a Salzburg radio station manager?

2. At first, how does Georg feel about his children and wife performing on stage?

3. The family's first concert in the United States is where?

4. When a Nazi official comes to the von Trapp household, what does he tell Georg to do?

5. While Georg paces worriedly over losing his fortune in Austria, Maria says she is:

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the von Trapps' experience of being imprisoned at Ellis Island.

4. When the von Trapp family goes on tour in Europe, who do they sing for?

5. How does Father Wasner come into the von Trapps' lives?

6. When the family first arrives at the Hotel Wellington in New York City, what experiences do they have?

7. What happens after the Chancellor of Austria hears the family singing on the radio?

8. World War II breaks out on September, 1939, while the family is doing a tour in Europe. Where do they end up after the war starts?

9. On the ship bound for America, how does Maria learn English?

10. After the Nazis take over, what changes take place at the children's school?

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

What might it be like to grow up in a large family like the Trapp clan with so many siblings? Write about pros and cons of having many sisters and brothers, supporting your conclusions with examples from the book.

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