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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. In Chapter 27, what was Alex's stepmother wearing when Alex and Beatrice came by for boxes?

2. What was Mrs. Gyzinska's first name?

3. When did Dr. Gantz publish a pamphlet called, "Some Basic Facts About Dragons" (161)?

4. What time did Mrs. Gyzinska visit Alex in Chapter 26?

5. How did Alex's father die?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did dragons help an older farm couple in Kansas?

2. What dragonings occurred when Dr. Gantz was studying a group of Women Airforce Service Pilots?

3. Why did Alex and Beatrice go back to their old home?

4. Why did Alex get mad at Mrs. Gyzinska in Chapter 23?

5. Why did Alex get sent to the office in Chapter 26?

6. What happened when Beatrice nearly dragoned?

7. Why did Mrs. Gyzinska visit Alex late one night at the apartment?

8. Why was it advantageous for Alex to have Marla hanging around?

9. What were some excuses Alex gave when her father did not attend school functions?

10. What news story was broadcast about Saint Anges in Chapter 21?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In When Women Were Dragons, some characters are more thoroughly described than others. Who are some characters that are merely named in passing or have a minor role in the novel? What is the importance of these flat characters to the story line? In what way do these characters make the main characters more colorful or interesting? When there is conflict, what type of role do these flat characters play?

Essay Topic 2

George Green is a banker who is married, has a child, and is having an affair. How does Barnhill reveal his character traits?

Essay Topic 3

In media res is the technique of beginning a story with a pivotal point or a situation that is the end to a series of events. Where does Branhill begin the story? How does she plunge into the situation with the dragons? How does beginning the story in the middle of the action affect the plot and affect readers?

(see the answer keys)

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