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

2. The narrator states that the sycamore tree down the street regularly indulges in what habit?

3. Bongo offer to "make a deposit" (49) on the head of the lanky boy for carving into Red's trunk for what length of time?

4. At what tine of the morning does Samar first tie a wish to one of Red's branches?

5. What is the one rule that Red states the entire natural world holds in common?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What activities does Red wonder about experiencing and why?

4. Which character moves forward most of the action in the novel Wishtree and how?

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

6. What kinds of illustrations are included in the first seven chapters of the novel and for what purpose?

7. At what three sights does Samar often gaze as she sits beneath Red's boughs?

8. Discuss one major conflict present within your reading of the novel Wishtree so far.

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

10. Discuss an instance when Applegate uses a simile to send a message about time.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze Wishtree from an Existential perspective. What elements of life does it suggest hold the most meaning and why?

Essay Topic 2

Choose an object from Wishtree, such as the pink cloth, the screwdriver, or some other symbolic object and discuss its overall meaning and its connection to themes within the text.

Essay Topic 3

How is the theme of communication portrayed in Wishtree? Examine Applegate's treatment of and messages regarding communication throughout the book.

(see the answer keys)

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