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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. How does Nat enter the Trigg home?
(a) Through the unlocked front door.
(b) With his spare key.
(c) Through a smashed window.
(d) By breaking open the door.

2. What has the farmhand died next to?
(a) His gun.
(b) The radio.
(c) The telephone.
(d) A fishing net.

3. 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.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of the farmhand killed on the Trigg farm?

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

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

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

5. After the second attack, what does Nat realize is controlling the birds’ behavior?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Nat realize is the force behind the bird attacks, and what does this mean to his survival planning?

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

3. How does the Hocken family respond to the six o’clock news announcement?

4. How has the radio announcer’s voice changed in the 6 o’clock broadcast?

5. When Nat leaves the house for the first time to gather supplies, what does he notice about the birds?

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

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

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

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

10. Why happens that leads Nat to realize the necessity of keeping a fire burning in the kitchen chimney at all times?

(see the answer keys)

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