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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. How does Eldon describe the sound he hears when Wayne hits the horse?

2. How old is Uncle David?

3. What is on the cover of the Zane Grey western Eldon and Wayne find?

4. How are the calves fed?

5. Why is the living room called the winter room?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Rex? What does he do around the farm? Why is he allowed to do that job?

2. Why is the lake called Jenny's Lake and what does Eldon say about it?

3. What are the roles and the attitudes of Uncle David and Nels about the killing?

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

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

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

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

8. How does Eldon describe the tractor and what does he say about his father being injured by the tractor?

9. What are some of the smells Eldon describes in the opening chapter called "Tuning?"

10. Describe the stove in the winter room and what Wayne says the rails are for.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Besides Eldon, who is the most important character of the story? Why is that character important?

Essay Topic 2

Who helps Eldon's family when it's time for haying and threshing? Describes the days when the two families come together. Why are these important?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the farm where Eldon lives with his family. What are the most important settings within the farm? Why?

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