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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 Charlotte say Uncle will be hard for Wilbur to beat?

2. Why does Mr. Zuckerman ask Lurvy to start building a crate for Wilbur?

3. What happens in Wilbur's bad dream?

4. What reason does Charlotte give for weaving her webs for Wilbur?

5. Who wins first prize at the Fair?

Short Essay Questions

1. After whose hour of triumph might this chapter be named, and why?

2. Does Wilbur act more like a child or an adult when it is time for him to go to sleep during his first night at the Fair?

3. How does Charlotte feel after finding out that Wilbur is to receive a special prize?

4. How has what is most important to Fern changed and how can you tell?

5. How can readers tell at the end of Chapter 21 that Wilbur is starting to grow up a little?

6. What lesson does the old sheep teach at the end of Chapter 12?

7. Why is Wilbur worrying during his first day at the Fair?

8. What can readers tell about Charlotte's position in the barn from the meeting the animals have?

9. Why might Charlotte's children mean so much to Wilbur?

10. Before he is to leave the Fair and return to the farm, why does Wilbur bring up the fact that he once thought Charlotte was cruel and bloodthirsty?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How do Garth Williams' illustrations deepen a reader's understandings of the characters, setting, and theme of the story? Examine the moments he chooses to illustrate and think about what they express that the text alone cannot. Address also how different the experience of reading the book would be without the illustrations.

Essay Topic 2

The development of the relationship between Wilbur and Charlotte is the heart of this story. Evaluate the course of this relationship from their first meeting through Charlotte's death and Wilbur's feelings about her after she is gone. Consider issues such as how their perceptions of each other change as they get to know each other better, what they learn from each other, what they do for each other and why, and how they depend on each other over time.

Essay Topic 3

Evaluate how Wilbur's position in the barn changes over the course of the story, including discussions of incidents such as the goose convincing Wilbur to "escape," Wilbur's interactions with the other animals while seeking a friend, Wilbur's actions during various important barnyard events, and how Wilbur is spending his days at the close of the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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