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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. How does everyone travel during the blind date?

2. What does Ralph call Flick's jukebox?

3. How would Ralph describe Grover Dill as a child?

4. Who tells Ralph "Get in there, kid, you're holding up the line"?

5. What holiday does the author reflect most on during that first day in Hohman?

Short Essay Questions

1. What made Ralph think about an old Christmas present he received when he was a child in Chapter 1?

2. Why was the World's Fair so important to Ralph?

3. Ralph's description of his fishing trip--the heat, the crowd, and gutting the fish--does not seem like it would be a pleasant experience. Why is Ralph so thrilled about the outing, and why does he smile and celebrate?

4. Why does Ralph retell Uncle Ben's joke if he truly did not understand the joke?

5. How is Ralph punished for damaging the family car?

6. What are the settings in chapters 19 and 20?

7. Who is Grover Dill, and what does he represent to Ralph?

8. Why is Cedar Lake special to Ralph and Flick?

9. How does Wilbur "win" in the final parade performance?

10. Ralph is told he will "shoot his eye out" by his mother, his teacher, and Santa. Explain why each is so devastating to his plans.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ralph has many theories about people that he shares throughout the book. One such theory is that people are put into two groups: Official People and The Rest of Us. Discuss Ralph's theory, and decide if he is correct or if there are faults with his theory. Use examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

What makes the book have a community feel about it that can be related to by a great number of people, regardless of whether they grew up during the Great Depression or in the Midwest?

Essay Topic 3

The Bully played a major role in Ralph's childhood. Why did the Bully affect him so much before and after the incident he had with Grover Dill? What does he say about bullies in adulthood? Is everyone affected by a bully at some point in life? Why or why not? Cite examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

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