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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where does the narrator begin training for his matches against Scut Farkas?
(a) His driveway.
(b) Flick's backyard.
(c) School gym.
(d) His basement.

2. How does the narrator describe the sound that his spinning top makes?
(a) Loud and wailing, like a ghost.
(b) Stealthy and quiet, like a ninja.
(c) Bold and thunderous, like a storm.
(d) Cold and hissing, like a snake.

3. What do the Old Man and Mother do well into the night in preparation for their Michigan trip?
(a) Go over the route they plan to take and their alternate route.
(b) Write detailed house care instructions for their neighbors.
(c) Unplug and double-check every appliance in their home.
(d) Go over their list and take account of all their travel supplies.

4. What is the name of the school the narrator attends?
(a) Chester A. Arthur.
(b) Lyndon B. Johnson.
(c) Warren G. Harding.
(d) James K. Polk.

5. The narrator and his family eat practically the same thing every day, except on what occasion?
(a) Halloween.
(b) New Year's.
(c) Easter.
(d) Fourth of July.

6. How does the final spinning top battle between Farkas and the narrator conclude?
(a) Farkas wins and throws the narrator's top over the school fence into the street.
(b) The narrator's kid brother comes from nowhere and steals both tops.
(c) Both tops leave the circle together and disappear down the sewer.
(d) The narrator wins and throws Farkas' top down the sewer.

7. How long does the narrator practice with his fighting top?
(a) Two hours.
(b) Two months.
(c) Two days.
(d) Two weeks.

8. Who goes on the Old Man's favorite ride at the County Fair?
(a) Randy and his brother only.
(b) The Old Man and his two sons.
(c) The four members of the Shepherd family.
(d) The Old Man and Mother only.

9. The narrator lives in Northern Indiana with whom?
(a) Parents and uncle.
(b) Father, mother, and sister.
(c) Father, mother, and brother.
(d) Parents and grandmother.

10. The narrator realizes he has found his weapon when the black-shawled lady pulls what out of a box?
(a) A tiki head that symbolizes power and glory.
(b) A rabbit's foot for good luck.
(c) Instruction booklet on how to win top spinning matches.
(d) Silver top that looks like Scut's top.

11. Halfway along the journey to Michigan, what does the narrator realize he forgot to pack?
(a) Comic book collection.
(b) Camera.
(c) Alarm clock.
(d) Fishing gear.

12. Who is Iron Man Gabruzzi's arch-rival?
(a) Walt Whedbe.
(b) Duke Grunion.
(c) Anthony Dombruni.
(d) Joe Firebender.

13. For the family's Michigan trip, what does the Old Man pack into the Sears luggage rack on the car roof?
(a) Mother's things because she won't be needing them during the drive.
(b) Camping equipment, including the portable stove and folded tent.
(c) Heavy, bulky items including chairs, beach umbrellas, and golf clubs.
(d) A canoe, including oars and life vests.

14. Where does the Bumpus family like to go shopping?
(a) Thrift store.
(b) Farmers' market.
(c) City dump.
(d) Garage sales.

15. How do the boys prepare for their Michigan vacation?
(a) Fighting while Mother and the Old Man do all the packing.
(b) Packing books, games, art supplies, and cameras.
(c) Reading about Michigan in their travel books.
(d) Gathering their collection of fishing tackle and a BB gun.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the Mariah?

2. How does the Old Man feel about the farming exhibits at the County Fair?

3. The narrator notes that the only way to get his father going in the morning is with what?

4. At the start of Story Four, what reminds the narrator of his annual family vacations to Clear Lake, Michigan?

5. When the narrator starts spinning tops against opponents other than Scut, what does he use?

(see the answer keys)

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