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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Which character thinks an army attack against the birds would be a “waste of life”?
(a) Mrs. Trigg.
(b) Mr. Trigg.
(c) Mrs. Hocken.
(d) Nat Hocken.

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

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

5. After the second attack, how many birds litter Nat’s yard?
(a) About 100.
(b) Around 20.
(c) A handful.
(d) More than he can count.

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

7. How many children do the Triggs have?
(a) 1.
(b) 2.
(c) 3.
(d) 0.

8. What frightens the children enough for Nat to shout at them to “Stop crying”?
(a) The birds pecking at their windows.
(b) The sight of Nat holding a gun.
(c) The birds burning in the fireplace.
(d) The sound of their mother shrieking in the bathroom.

9. How do Jill and Johnny react to the droning sound during dinner?
(a) They jump up and down with excitement.
(b) They dutifully hide under the table.
(c) They burst into tears.
(d) They stare blankly at their parents.

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

11. Between attacks, how is the sky frequently described?
(a) As crisp and bright.
(b) As gray and stormy.
(c) As sunny and clear.
(d) As wet and cloudy.

12. What does Nat do with the bird bodies he finds in his yard?
(a) He stores them for fire kindling.
(b) He takes them to the beach for burial.
(c) He stacks them on the windowsills to enforce the barricades.
(d) He leaves them to rot.

13. What reason does Nat give Jill as to why the birds won’t attack them on their way to the farm?
(a) Because they’re not hungry
(b) Because the attacks are over now
(c) Because the tide hasn’t turned
(d) Because it’s light out

14. During the third attack, what room does Nat realize the birds have broken into?
(a) The living room.
(b) The pantry.
(c) The attic.
(d) The children’s bedroom.

15. What does Nat worry about when he turns the wireless off?
(a) How he will hear the news.
(b) What happened to the news announcer.
(c) Whether he has frightened the children.
(d) Saving the radio battery.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the announcer, what is the most important step citizens should take to protect themselves against the bird attacks?

2. After battling birds in the kitchen, what does Nat ask his wife for?

3. What is Nat doing as the story comes to a close?

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

5. Why does Mrs. Hocken forbid Nat from gathering supplies at the Trigg home?

(see the answer keys)

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