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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. Why does Uncle David say the cows get excited when they are given silage?

2. What is the name of the lake where the family goes as fall is just starting?

3. Why do the men have to wear handkerchiefs over their noses during thrashing time?

4. What does Father say that lets Eldon know it's fall?

5. From where does the straw pile near the barn come?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Eldon's childhood illness and the effect it has had on his life.

2. What does the family eat at their annual picnic to the lake?

3. What do Eldon and Wayne do with the stack of straw near the barn and what do Mother and Father say about it?

4. Describe what Father is working on during his evenings in the winter room.

5. Compare Uncle David's side of the room with Nels' side.

6. Why does Uncle David believe everyone works so much harder in the summer than in the winter?

7. What are some of the sounds Elden describes in the opening chapter?

8. What are some of the "lights" Eldon describes in the opening chapter?

9. What is the first thing Eldon describes doing after the first snow?

10. What prompts the fight between Eldon and Wayne in the opening paragraphs of "Winter," and what do the boys decide about their argument?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are the positive aspects of each of the seasons Eldon discusses? What are the negative aspects of each of the seasons?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the farm house. How many rooms are there? What are each of the rooms used for? Include some details about each of the rooms.

Essay Topic 3

What are the activities that go on in the winter room? Why are these important to each of the characters and to the family as a whole?

(see the answer keys)

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