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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 does Mr. Hanson offer Hattie and Leafie?

2. What begins on September 12, 1918?

3. What does Traft ask Hattie?

4. What does Hattie see with Leafie?

5. What did Hattie used to think men should do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Hattie that Traft helps her?

2. How does Hattie help Mr. Ebgard?

3. What does Hattie think about after witnessing events at the Ren homestead?

4. What happens when Hattie goes to visit Perilee?

5. What do they have to do with the new baby since she is premature?

6. What has Hattie been doing at night to fight the heat?

7. What troubling news does Rooster Jim bring to Hattie, and what is the outcome?

8. Why does Karl come to Hattie's late one night, and what does Hattie do?

9. Who comes to help Hattie with the threshing and how does Chase contribute?

10. How does Hattie acquire chickens and what does she have to do to keep them safe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Spanish Influenza of 1918, makes it way through much of the world and greatly impacts the lives of those who live during that time. Discuss the following:

1. Research the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918, and write an informative essay on what you learn. Include answers to the following questions: 1. How much of the world is impacted by this particular epidemic? 2. What is the death toll? 3. How did this epidemic affect the outcome and/or progress of World War I? 4. What were the symptoms and treatments of the disease?

2. Discuss how the flu epidemic impacts the lives of those in the area where Hattie lives.

3. Research and learn about your own family's past and find out (if possible) is your ancestors were impacted by the disease and write about what you learn.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "Hattie Big Sky", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement.) Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "Hattie Big Sky". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot.) Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not? Do you think "Hattie Big Sky" ends on a happy note? Why or why not.

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Hattie Big Sky" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why this story is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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