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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. Bongo loves to listen to a band down the street practice what kind of music?

2. What adjective does Red apply to botanists who "study the lives of plants all day" (17)?

3. On which part of Samar's body does Bongo begin to sit?

4. What is the current name of Bongo's cousin, though it is his 17th name to date?

5. Red declares to the reader that Samar's first wish is the first wish anyone has undertaken in how long?

Short Essay Questions

1. What aspect of Red's provision of shelter is unprecedented the year that is depicted in the narrative?

2. In what way is the sound motif an important element of Chapter 10?

3. In what parts of the world do people observe a tradition involving a wishing tree?

4. For what reason does Applegate spend so much time discussing the naming of the species?

5. How does Red surmise that the carving by the lanky boy is "meant to hurt" (43)?

6. What happens every year on Wishing Day?

7. What is ironic about the expression on the lanky boy's face as he defaces Red's trunk?

8. What elements of magical realism are present within the narrative of Wishtree?

9. How does Applegate go about introducing scientific facts in a way that will interest young readers?

10. How is the theme of tranquility included within Red's introduction of Samar to the reader?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the instances of irony within the narrative of Wishtree and analyze Applegate’s purpose for including each instance you discuss.

Essay Topic 2

Trace the characterization arc of Stephen’s character throughout the novel Wishtree. Discuss whether Stephen is a round or flat character and whether Stephen is a static or dynamic character.

Essay Topic 3

Examine the role of Maeve within the narrative of Wishtree. How does Applegate use Maeve’s role to highlight themes and messages included within the overall narrative?

(see the answer keys)

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