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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 Pa chain Jack to the stable door at night?

2. What does Pa see in the treetops on his way home from the Scotts’?

3. What happens to Mr. Edwards when he visits them after Pa goes to Independence?

4. For what does Ma say they planned to use the bundle of furs the Indians did not take?

5. Where does Pa go the second day after the Indians rode away?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Pa eat when he feels better and what does Mrs. Scott think of his choice of foods?

2. What can the settlers hear from the Indians and how are the settlers feeling about what they hear?

3. How does the Ingalls family become sick?

4. Why do the girls worry about Christmas and the family worry about Mr. Edwards?

5. Why does Pa go to the Scotts’ in the middle of the night?

6. What does Pa say is the scream and how is the problem solved?

7. Why does the family worry about Pa getting back from Independence and what does he manage to bring with him without breaking it?

8. What do Mr. Scott and Mr. Edwards think about the prairie and what how do they feel about the Indians getting together?

9. What do Pa and Mr. Scott hit before they get water in the well and what does Laura think of the water?

10. What do Mary and Laura do with their findings from the Indian village?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define plot and include the definitions of the most important elements of a plot. Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not? Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Little House on the Prairie, 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? Give a brief synopsis of any important sub-plots.

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

Compare/contrast the characters of Mary and Laura. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples. Compare/contrast the characters of Ma and Pa. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes Little House on the Prairie interesting. Discuss the following:

Thoroughly discuss and analyze Laura. What are her strengths and weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she usually likable? Seldom likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas. Use the same criteria to thoroughly discuss and analyze Pa and Ma.

(see the answer keys)

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