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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Before signing off for the afternoon, when does the announcer promise to resume broadcast?
(a) Noon.
(b) 6 o’clock pm.
(c) 7 o’clock am.
(d) Midnight.

3. After battling birds in the kitchen, what does Nat ask his wife for?
(a) A cigarette.
(b) A beer.
(c) A sandwich.
(d) A massage.

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

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

6. Why does Nat worry about the cows during the bird attacks?
(a) The birds are killing livestock
(b) They're penned in and cannot escape
(c) They need to be milked
(d) He doesn’t want them to get stolen

7. Where does Nat find the farmhand’s body?
(a) In the house.
(b) On the lawn.
(c) In the barn.
(d) In the garage.

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

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

10. Which of the following is NOT one of the crucial supplies Nat seeks to collect?
(a) Fuel.
(b) Food.
(c) Light.
(d) Water.

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

12. 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.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What has the farmhand died next to?

3. After turning off the wireless, what time do the children finally fall asleep?

4. What music, coming from the wireless radio, alerts Nat that something is wrong?

5. Why does the character in question 74 think an army attack would be a waste?

(see the answer keys)

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