View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the face of impending attacks, what does the announcer ask the population to do?
(a) Fight like hell.
(b) Pray.
(c) Embrace their loved ones.
(d) Remain calm.

2. Why does Nat whistle and sing while preparing dinner for his family?
(a) He doesn’t know what else to do.
(b) He is happy about the broadcast.
(c) He doesn’t want to frighten them.
(d) He always whistles when he’s nervous.

3. What excuse does Nat give when the morning news announcement fails to broadcast?
(a) The birds must be clogging up the airwaves.
(b) The announcer must have forgotten.
(c) He must have heard the time wrong.
(d) The birds must have killed the announcer.

4. After the second attack, what does Nat realize is controlling the birds’ behavior?
(a) The moon.
(b) The sun.
(c) The wind.
(d) The tide.

5. Before the final attack, what is the Hocken family eating for dinner?
(a) Spaghetti and meatballs.
(b) Toasted cheese.
(c) Fried chicken.
(d) Soup.

6. 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.

7. If the family lasts through the next attack, what does Nat plan to add to the windows to reinforce his barricade?
(a) Barbed wire.
(b) Broken glass.
(c) Corrugated metal.
(d) Bars.

8. What does Nat do with the Triggs’ bodies before returning home?
(a) Nothing.
(b) Buries them in a shallow grave.
(c) Moves them to the bedroom.
(d) Covers them in sheets.

9. How does Nat react to the crashing sound, which ends the droning?
(a) He is horrified.
(b) He is relieved.
(c) He is confused.
(d) He is apathetic.

10. Before the final attack, what does Nat mistake the swarm of gulls as?
(a) An airplane.
(b) The Navy.
(c) A wave.
(d) Clouds.

11. Which adjective best describes the announcer’s voice during his afternoon broadcast?
(a) Terrified.
(b) Apathetic.
(c) Solemn.
(d) Excited.

12. While collecting supplies, what reason does Nat realize the birds have for not attacking him?
(a) The attacks have mysteriously stopped.
(b) They are gorged with food.
(c) They are only interested in small children.
(d) They are waiting for the tide to turn.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. During the “special” dinner Nat’s prepared, how many birds break in?

2. Between attacks, how is the sky frequently described?

3. What detail about the Trigg farm initially fills Nat with misgiving?

4. What does Nat tell his wife when she asks about the Triggs’ wellbeing?

5. What does Nat think the army should do to fight against the birds?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 554 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample