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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Why can’t Nat bury the bird bodies in his back garden?
(a) There's not enough space.
(b) His wife forbids it.
(c) He's afraid of their evil spirits.
(d) The ground is too hard.

3. Who does Mr. Trigg think has poisoned the birds?
(a) The Russians.
(b) The Americans.
(c) The French.
(d) The Chinese.

4. When Nat returns home from burying the bodies, what news does his wife deliver?
(a) Their daughter has been attacked while at school.
(b) The army is sending planes to fight against the attacking birds.
(c) There have been bird attacks all around the country.
(d) Mr. Trigg is dead.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. At the story’s opening, how does Nat describe the birds’ strange behavior?

2. What does Mr. Trigg offer Nat for protection against the birds?

3. As he watches the birds fly closer, what does Nat realize is their target?

4. What does Nat find most annoying about the radio news broadcaster?

5. While waiting at the bus stop, how does Nat know the birds are headed inland?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Nat fight the birds away from his children during the first attack?

2. How does Nat dispose of the bird carcasses that litter his yard after the first attack?

3. How is the weather described on the morning of the first bird attack?

4. What does Nat think has caused the birds’ strange behavior?

5. What is Nat’s mental state when he returns home from the bus stop?

6. During the news broadcast at dinner that night, what insight does the announcer give into the attacks?

7. How does Nat protect himself from the bird attack as he runs home from Jill’s bus stop?

8. Who does Nat speak to while at the bus stop, and what is their reaction to his call?

9. What startling sight does Nat see while on the beach?

10. Why does Nat rush to the bus stop, early, to meet Jill from school?

(see the answer keys)

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