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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is Ruth upset with Beatrice at the end of Act 1?
(a) She feels that Beatrice should be proud of Tillie for her accomplishment.
(b) She feels that Beatrice's second-hand smoke has already done significant damage to the family members.
(c) She feels that Beatrice has always favored Tillie.
(d) She feels that Beatrice should have taken better care of Nanny.

2. What does Beatrice read about in the newspaper?
(a) Real estate listings.
(b) Sports.
(c) Teenage drinking.
(d) Elder abuse.

3. What is the substance that Beatrice keeps in a small bottle in a chest of drawers?
(a) Chloroform.
(b) Lighter fluid.
(c) Ethanol.
(d) Whiskey.

4. Tillie's marigold seeds have been exposed to which of the following substances?
(a) Chlorine.
(b) Radon.
(c) Cyanide.
(d) Cobalt-60.

5. Which of the following statements best summarizes the final scene of Act 1?
(a) It is an uplifting scene in which Beatrice takes a stand against cigarette smoking and drinking, and she promises her daughters that from now on, she is going to be a better mother.
(b) It is a frightening scene in which Nanny collapses at Beatrice's feet, Ruth has a seizure, and Tillie runs away from home.
(c) It is a humorous scene in which Beatrice rides a horse through the living room while shouting "my life rocks" through a megaphone.
(d) It is an emotionally charged scene in which Beatrice seems to have a breakthrough, as she realizes the unfair treatment she has been giving her daughter.

Short Answer Questions

1. Nanny is also described as:

2. What questionable activity does Beatrice allow Ruth to do?

3. According to Beatrice, the " manure machine" is what kind of animal?

4. What is Beatrice's last name?

5. Which of the following statements best describes Ruth's performance in school, according to Beatrice?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way does Beatrice pay Tillie a compliment prior to the science fair?

2. Does Beatrice respect Nanny? Support your answer with examples.

3. How does Beatrice treat her daughter, Tillie?

4. Is Beatrice content with her life?

5. How would you characterize Janice Vickery's presentation at the science fair? What does this scene do for the mood of the play?

6. How does Ruth react to Tillie's performance in the school Science Fair?

7. What is the business scheme that Beatrice is preoccupied with in Act 2? According to Beatrice, what role will her daughters play?

8. When Beatrice receives a call from Dr. Berg, what is her response?

9. Why does Zindel repeat the Conclusion of Tillie's science fair presentation at the end of Act 2?

10. At the beginning of Act 2, what does Ruth reveal to Tillie about their mother's experience in high school?

(see the answer keys)

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