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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. Why does Adam harness the horses to the wagon?

2. What does Sam feed Henry?

3. Why does Adam have to go down to the river regularly?

4. What business does Adam take up?

5. What do Adam and his father do with the excess water?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Henry when Rowena returns from the party?

2. What does Stew Meat realize and what does he do?

3. Why does Adam's pa make a raft and what do they do with the raft?

4. What greets Adam when he wakes the next morning?

5. What does one of the townspeople who come to see what is happening at Adam's family's farm say that causes Adam to feel guilty?

6. What does Rowena tell Henry and Sam and what is Henry's response?

7. How are Polly and Rowena described when Adam goes to school the next day?

8. What will happen eventually if the water does not stop flowing?

9. How do the three young people turn out?

10. What does Adam hear as he is going to bed and what does his pa say about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "The Wish Giver" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "The Wish Giver"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "The Wish Giver" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "The Wish Giver". Questions that Brittain most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Brittain' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Brittain' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Brittain and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 3

1. What is foreshadow? How many incidences of foreshadow are in "The Wish Maker"? How does foreshadowing contribute to a book's suspense?

2. Discuss an example of foreshadow in "The Wish Giver" including why you believe it is foreshadow. Include examples from the book and your own life to illustrate your answer.

3. How do you think most people react to uncertainty in their lives? Use examples from "The Wish Giver" and your own live to support your opinion.

(see the answer keys)

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