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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After the first attack, what part of the children’s body does Nat realize the birds were trying to attack?
(a) Their throats.
(b) Their chests.
(c) Their legs.
(d) Their eyes.

2. What type of birds were involved in the previous night’s attack?
(a) Small birds, like wrens.
(b) Medium birds, like robins.
(c) Large birds, like seagulls.
(d) Hunting birds, like hawks.

3. What type of bird makes a kamikaze dive toward Nat’s head?
(a) A gull.
(b) A gannet.
(c) A starling.
(d) An eagle.

4. Why doesn’t Nat ride along with Jill?
(a) There isn’t enough room.
(b) He still has to pick up Johnny.
(c) He wants to make another phone call.
(d) There isn’t enough time for him to climb into the car.

5. How does Nat react to his wife’s news?
(a) He is confused.
(b) He is excited.
(c) He is skeptical.
(d) He is devastated.

6. Which character says, “Come on now … let’s see how fast you can run”?
(a) Jill.
(b) The operator.
(c) Nat.
(d) Mr. Trigg.

7. As he watches the birds fly closer, what does Nat realize is their target?
(a) The farm.
(b) The school.
(c) The church.
(d) The hospital.

8. At three o’clock, Nat sees that the sky is “colorless.” What does he compare it to?
(a) Snow.
(b) Teeth.
(c) Feathers.
(d) Salt.

9. In the story’s opening paragraph, what does the reader learn about Nat Hocken?
(a) He is an only child.
(b) He is the father of three children.
(c) He is an ornithologist.
(d) He is a war veteran.

10. What country does Mrs. Trigg think the violent birds have come from?
(a) Russia.
(b) China.
(c) Cuba.
(d) America.

11. During the one o’clock news bulletin, how are the birds described?
(a) As bloodthirsty monsters.
(b) As a thick, black cloud.
(c) As a nightmare.
(d) As a confused species.

12. After the first attack, what color is used to describe the morning sky?
(a) Blue.
(b) Orange.
(c) Gray.
(d) Purple.

13. What haunting sound does Nat hear when the birds start to attack on his way home from the bus stop?
(a) The screams of his neighbors.
(b) The birds’ screeching cry.
(c) The smash of automobiles crashing.
(d) The beating of wings.

14. During which month does the story open?
(a) March.
(b) December.
(c) September.
(d) June.

15. Who suggests that the army should shoot the birds out of the sky?
(a) The news broadcaster.
(b) Mr. Trigg.
(c) Mrs. Hocken.
(d) Nat.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Mr. Trigg do for a living?

2. Which aspect of the birds’ behavior does Nat find most interesting?

3. On the story’s first evening, what wakes Nat from sleep?

4. While Nat prepares for the next bird attack, what does his wife do?

5. Which of the following bird species is NOT mentioned in the one o’clock news?

(see the answer keys)

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