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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. 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.

2. What does the Old Man admire about his favorite ride at the County Fair?
(a) It makes him feel like a teenager again.
(b) It's a fine piece of machinery.
(c) It's just the right length.
(d) Very few dare to get on such a wild ride.

3. What are some of the items that adorn the Bumpus' yard?
(a) Fountains, flowers, and chipped pottery.
(b) Abstract art sculptures and rain barrels.
(c) Plastic alligators and chipped gnomes.
(d) License plates, tire pumps, and old batteries.

4. On the family road trip, where do the narrator and his brother fit in a car that is so full of supplies?
(a) Two tiny cubicles inside the vehicle.
(b) The tiny travel trailer hitched to the car.
(c) The front seat with Mother and the Old Man.
(d) Sitting on top of the cooler in the far back.

5. What marks the start of the Shepherd-Bumpus feud?
(a) The Old Man calls the Bumpus family country hicks.
(b) Blaring country music is played every night.
(c) Mr. Bumpus rams his truck into the Old Man's porch.
(d) The ham is taken by the hounds.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Story One, what sport does Delbert disrupt in gym class?

2. What happens to the house next door to the narrator after the Bumpus family moves in?

3. When the family finally arrives at their summer trip destination, what obstacles do they immediately encounter?

4. The narrator says that his family's annual trip to Michigan is bigger than what to him?

5. What is the Mariah?

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize how Mother prepares the traditional Easter ham.

2. Explain how the narrator prepares for his spinning tops battle against Farkas.

3. Describe the conditions inside the car during the drive to Clear Lake, Michigan.

4. How does the narrator trick Farkas into challenging him to a battle of spinning tops?

5. Describe some of the interesting sights the four members of the Shepherd family see while they are together at the County Fair.

6. How does the author lead the narrator into telling the story of his top-spinning battle with Scut Farkas?

7. Describe the yard of the Bumpus family.

8. Describe the Shepherd family's annual summer vacation.

9. Where do the Bumpuses make their illegal liquor?

10. Who does most of the work when it's time to prepare for the narrator's annual vacation?

(see the answer keys)

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