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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. Everything about the children's new home seems what?

2. What are the children given to eat while at work?

3. What lines the street of the town?

4. The children begin to rationalize that, even though their work is hard, it is much better than having to do what?

5. The guardian is wearing what color suit when he first meets the children?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the library and how the children feel about it.

2. Why are the workers incapable of having anything other than gum for lunch?

3. Describe the reception the children receive when they first get to the lumbermill.

4. How is foreshadowing used in chapter two?

5. What would you do if you were one of the children and were left alone in Paltryville by Mr. Poe?

6. Describe how one of the children uses their own natural talent on the first day of work.

7. What does the mention of the gum in chapter 3 help to explain from earlier in the story?

8. Describe Mr. Poe's relationship with the children.

9. Do you think the library will affect the rest of the story? Why or why not?

10. Explain the significance of the building shaped like an eye.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a detailed essay about which one of the characters from the book was your favorite and why. Use at least four examples of things that character did in the book to back up your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Which of the children do you feel was most influential in the book? Use examples from the story to explain why. Which were least influential? Explain what they could have done to become more useful or interesting.

Essay Topic 3

Count Olaf isn't seen until near the end of the book, yet he is constantly thought of and his presence in Paltryville is eluded to.

What does the idea of Count Olaf represent to the children throughout the book and what, if anything, changes when the children finally see the Count? Use examples from the story to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 975 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample