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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. How does a neighbor, Betty, correct Maria's English?

2. The doctor who's been treating Georg tells Maria that he has:

3. How do concert attendees help the von Trapps' charitable organization?

4. In America, who teaches Maria's little girls to play musical instruments?

5. After receiving an urgent letter in 1947, what organization does the von Trapp family form?

Short Essay Questions

1. What monumental event happens during the von Trapps' summer camp season of 1945?

2. What does the family name their Vermont home, and why?

3. Why do two officials from the War Production Board arrive at Vermont to talk to Maria?

4. By their third American tour, what changes have the von Trapp family members made to their concerts to appeal to a wider audience?

5. Why does Maria want to build a music camp near their home in Vermont?

6. When Mr. Schang reconsiders and agrees to take on the Trapp family if they supply $5,000 for publicity, how does the family acquire this money?

7. Why does the family decide to buy a rundown farm in Vermont?

8. After the family auditions for manager F.C. Schang and he decides that he won't represent them, what reasons does he give Maria?

9. As the family travels across the United States on their concert tours, what do they appreciate about the scenery? What do they dislike about the landscape?

10. What is Maria surprised to find when she opens a copy of Life Magazine after the von Trapps have been in Vermont a while?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Father Wasner is a minor yet significant character in the book, who essentially becomes part of the family.

1. Write an analysis of Father Wasner, describing who he is, how he joined the family, and what his role is in the Trapps' everyday life and singing career.

2. In what ways does his presence benefit the family? Do you think they could have advanced their singing careers without him? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

1. Compare and contrast the personalities and characteristics of Maria von Trapp and her children. Which of the children are headstrong? Which ones are more reserved? What traits do they all share in common?

2. How do the von Trapps manage to get along with so many different personalities living under one roof?

Essay Topic 3

Starting over in the United States, the von Trapps faced many challenges. They succeeded despite all the difficulties they encountered. Do you think they created their own breaks, relied on the kindness of others, or a little of both? Explain, supporting your answer with examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

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