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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens that saves Jeannette from having to drop out of school because of financial problems?

2. What is the children's sleeping arrangement in their new home in Part 3?

3. How do the Walls children get along socially at their new school in Part 3?

4. Where do the children go to shower after there is no longer any bathroom in their house?

5. What does Jeannette decide to do instead of following the guidance counselor's advice?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the Walls parents fail to protect their children from Erma?

2. Why does Rose Mary decide to hang on to the diamond ring that the children find in the woods rather than selling it for much needed money? What does this say about her priorities?

3. Why is Jeannette so interested in going to Ginnie Sue's house? What is her visit like?

4. Why does Jeannette enjoy swimming with Dinitia more than going to the pool during the other swim sessions when the rest of the white children in Welch swim?

5. What events help form Jeannette's desire to be a professional writer?

6. Why do Rex and Rose Mary follow their children to New York City to live?

7. What are some examples of how the Walls parents fail to provide for their children's needs during this first year in Welch?

8. What are some of the reasons that the children do not like going to school in Welch?

9. How does Rex, despite all of his problems, show his devotion to Jeannette during her college years?

10. What potentially dangerous situation does Rex put Jeannette in while her mother is out of town for training?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although life is very difficult in the Walls household, one way that the children cope is through depending on each other. Describe the relationship between the children: Brian, Lori, Jeannette, and Maureen and how they depend on and take care of each other. What roles do each of these children play within the family? Cite specific examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

One of the author's earliest memories is of being badly burned while she is cooking by herself as a small child. She spends several weeks in the hospital, during which time she is not unhappy. In fact, she responds to the incident in a calm manner that belies her age.

1) What are Jeannette's memories of the incident? How does she react to the staff at the hospital?

2) How does Jeannette respond to the staff when they tell her that she is going to be all right?

3) What is her father's response to the incident? Do you find it surprising, or is it typical of him?

4) What do both Jeannette's and her parents' way of dealing with this incident say about each of their personalities and ways of approaching life?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Grandma Smith and Erma.

1) What, if any, traits or beliefs do the two women share?

2) How are there personalities different and how does this affect Jeannette's relationship with each of them?

3) How do the personalities of each of these grandmothers reflect on the behavior and personalities of their children (Rex and Rose Mary)?

(see the answer keys)

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