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

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

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

4. Why does Nat whistle and sing while preparing dinner for his family?
(a) He always whistles when he’s nervous.
(b) He is happy about the broadcast.
(c) He doesn’t want to frighten them.
(d) He doesn’t know what else to do.

5. Why does Mrs. Hocken forbid Nat from gathering supplies at the Trigg home?
(a) She doesn’t like the Triggs.
(b) She thinks they have enough supplies as it is.
(c) She doesn’t want to be left alone.
(d) It's too dangerous.

Short Answer Questions

1. After the second attack, how many birds litter Nat’s yard?

2. What has the farmhand died next to?

3. According to Nat’s calculation, how long will each “lull” between attacks last?

4. Before the final attack, what does Nat mistake the swarm of gulls as?

5. What sound fills the room when the news announcement fails to broadcast?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why does Nat feel a sense of admiration for the birds?

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

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

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

8. How does Nat use the bird corpses to reinforce his barricades, and how does he feel about this?

9. What is the droning sound that the Hockens hear during their dinner, and why does it stop?

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

(see the answer keys)

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