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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. Who does Martha call after Ian leaves?

2. Why does Laurie believe the attacks on the Tripods are not televised?

3. What is the name of Angela's pony?

4. How many tentacles do the boys see after the arrival of the tank?

5. Who is Nathanael?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Laurie say is the difference between his calling Ilse by her name and Andy calling Miranda by her name?

2. What does Wild Bill say each of the Tripods did after they landed the first time?

3. What are some of the ways the boys try to explain away the sounds and sight of the Tripod?

4. Describe Laurie's relationship with his father.

5. Briefly describe what happens when the Tripod arrives at the farmhouse.

6. What does the author say about a science fiction writer's ability to predict the future?

7. What does Pa say were his thoughts and actions when he heard of the Tripod landing?

8. How does the author say the Tripods came to inhabit the Earth?

9. What is the reaction of the boys when the military arrives?

10. Why does Ilse offer Laurie cookies and why does he refuse?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare the characters of Laurie and Andy. How are they similar? Different? Don't forget to mention appearances and any other details offered up in the story.

Essay Topic 2

How does Switzerland attempt to prevent the invasion of the Tripods? Are they successful at all? Are their methods honorable? Support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

What are the Trippies? How are their attitudes changed from their personalities. List at least three people who become Trippies. What are their fates?

(see the answer keys)

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