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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. Grandma Dowdel's unnamed town in A Long Way from Chicago is based on what actual town?

2. During what historical period are the stories set in A Long Way from Chicago?

3. How old is Junior Stubbs said to be in "The Phantom Brakeman"?

4. What is Grandma Dowdel's response to the performance by Mrs. Weidenbach's nephew at the talent show in "Centennial Summer"?

5. Who offers to buy the stovepipe hat that Grandma Dowdel brings to the rummage sale in "Things with Wings"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What exchange do Mary Alice and Joey witness between Vandalia Eubanks and her mother at the Coffee Pot Cafe in “The Phantom Brakeman”?

2. What is the ghost story that Grandma Dowdel relates in “The Phantom Brakeman”?

3. Why does Grandma Dowdel send Mary Alice and Joey to the attic in “Centennial Summer"? What do they find?

4. What fight breaks out during the parade in “Centennial Summer"? How is the fight resolved?

5. How would you describe the style of language and dialogue in A Long Way from Chicago?

6. What exchange takes place the first time Miz Eubanks comes to Grandma Dowdel's house in “The Phantom Brakeman”?

7. How is the theme of friendship developed in the stories from A Long Way from Chicago?

8. How has Grandma Dowdel's demeanor changed in the beginning of “Things with Wings"? Why?

9. What does Mrs. Weidenbach comes to ask of Grandma Dowdel in “Centennial Summer"? What is Grandma's reply?

10. When is “The Troop Train" set? Where is the story set?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characters of Grandma Dowdel and Idella Eubanks in the stories. How are these women similar? How do they differ? What conflicts arise between Grandma Dowdel and Idella Eubanks? How are the conflicts resolved?

Essay Topic 2

Why has Effie Wilcox left on the train in the beginning of “Things with Wings"? What actions does Grandma Dowdel take in the story to bring Effie Back? Why does she want to bring Effie back to town?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the character of Aunt Puss Chapman in A Long Way from Chicago. How old is Aunt Puss Chapman? What is her history with Grandma Dowdel? Why does Grandma Dowdel go to Aunt Puss Chapman's house in “A One Woman Crime Wave"?

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