View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How do Toby and Cal pass time while waiting at their lookout post?

2. Whose sister does Toby take to see the sideshow?

3. What does Kate run over when pulling out of her driveway in Chapter 5?

4. What does the sideshow feature?

5. Who does Toby receive a letter from in Chapter 11?

Short Essay Questions

1. What strikes Toby as unusual when Zachary tells him about his travels in Paris? What does it make Toby think?

2. What is a unique effect the cotton gin has on Antler?

3. What is exciting about the trailer that pulls into town in Chapter 1? Why is it exciting?

4. Why is there often a dog in the sheriff's car?

5. What is unusual about the letter Toby writes in Chapter 8?

6. In the letter from Wayne that Cal reads to Toby on top of the bowling alley, what does Wayne write about?

7. What is humorous about Toby and Cal yelling names at the town bully in Chapter 4?

8. What is ironic about Kate's announcement that she passed her driver's test and now has her license?

9. As Toby and Scarlett swing on her front porch, what does Scarlett talk about?

10. Why is Toby awake extra early at the beginning of Chapter 9?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Name and define the five types of conflict. Which conflict prevailed in this novel? Select a different type of conflict and explain how the story would have differed under that particular type of conflict.

Essay Topic 2

What is the difference between conflict and crisis in a novel? How are they similar? Also relate the differences and similarities specifically to When Zachary Beaver Came to Town.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the character, Toby, and his growth throughout the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 652 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample