View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Nat doing as the story comes to a close?
(a) Praying.
(b) Sleeping.
(c) Crying.
(d) Smoking.

2. Why does Mrs. Hocken insist on being taken to the farm with Nat?
(a) She wants to help him gather supplies.
(b) She doesn’t think their house is safe.
(c) She doesn’t want to be alone.
(d) She wants to check on the Triggs.

3. According to the announcer, at what time was a national emergency declared?
(a) 8 o’clock.
(b) 10 o’clock.
(c) 6 o’clock.
(d) 4 o’clock.

4. What had Mrs. Trigg attempted to use to fight off the birds, to no avail?
(a) A rolling pin.
(b) A shovel.
(c) A butcher’s knife.
(d) An umbrella.

5. During the third attack, what does Nat find smoldering in the kitchen fire?
(a) The mattress.
(b) Rodents.
(c) Birds.
(d) The children’s clothing.

6. What detail about the Trigg farm initially fills Nat with misgiving?
(a) The eerie silence on the farm
(b) The lack of smoke coming from the chimney
(c) The broken windows
(d) The bloody animals in their pens

7. What is the name of the farmhand killed on the Trigg farm?
(a) Jim.
(b) Jack.
(c) James.
(d) John.

8. During the “special” dinner Nat’s prepared, how many birds break in?
(a) 2.
(b) 5.
(c) None.
(d) 10.

9. Which animals are described as “distressed” when Nat arrives at the farm?
(a) The cows.
(b) The pigs.
(c) The horses.
(d) The chickens.

10. Which type of dead bird litters the Trigg farm?
(a) Starling.
(b) Gulls.
(c) Wrens.
(d) Hawks.

11. According to the announcer, what is the most important step citizens should take to protect themselves against the bird attacks?
(a) Barricade their homes.
(b) Ensure they have enough food and water.
(c) Nothing – they should go about their regular lives.
(d) Stock up on guns and ammo.

12. With each attack, what has changed about the birds?
(a) Each attack has created a new target for the birds.
(b) Each attack has lessened the birds’ intensity.
(c) Each attack has brought larger species of birds.
(d) Each attack has brought greater clarity to the birds’ behavior.

13. What does Nat notice about the Triggs’ telephone?
(a) It has been torn from the wall.
(b) Nothing – the Triggs don’t have a telephone.
(c) They never had it installed.
(d) The operator is still on the other line.

14. When Mrs. Hocken hears droning during dinner, what does she think it is?
(a) Motorboats.
(b) Tanks.
(c) The birds.
(d) Gunfire.

15. How does Nat enter the Trigg home?
(a) Through the unlocked front door.
(b) By breaking open the door.
(c) With his spare key.
(d) Through a smashed window.

Short Answer Questions

1. If the family lasts through the next attack, what does Nat plan to add to the windows to reinforce his barricade?

2. While collecting supplies, what reason does Nat realize the birds have for not attacking him?

3. Why does Nat whistle and sing while preparing dinner for his family?

4. During the final attack, what does Nat wonder about the birds?

5. According to Nat’s calculation, how long will each “lull” between attacks last?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 552 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample