View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. After the frightening broadcast, what meal does Nat make to cheer his children?
(a) Beans on toast.
(b) Spaghetti and meatballs.
(c) Grilled hot dogs.
(d) Toasted cheese.

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

5. What does Nat think the army should do to fight against the birds?
(a) Nothing – he knows it would be fruitless.
(b) Drop a bomb.
(c) Spray them with mustard gas.
(d) Shoot them with machine guns.

Short Answer Questions

1. After the third attack, what emotion overcomes Nat?

2. Which character thinks an army attack against the birds would be a “waste of life”?

3. What part of Mrs. Trigg’s body does Nat see and immediately know she is dead?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What state are Mr. and Mrs. Trigg in when Nat arrives at their house?

2. During the final attack, what does Nat wonder about the birds’ mindset?

3. Who is Jim, and how was he killed?

4. Why does Nat decide to take his family with him to the Trigg farm in search of supplies?

5. What does Mrs. Hocken chide Johnny about during dinner in the story’s final section, and why is this ironic?

6. How does the radio music change during the attacks, and what does this signify?

7. Why does silence fill the Hocken house after the third attack, and what does this mean?

8. How does Nat feel about the army sending reconnaissance forces to battle the birds?

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

10. Why doesn’t Nat feel bad about stealing supplies from the Trigg farm, and how much does he gather?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 833 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample