View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What last name do Dina and Ralph have in the novel?

2. Who is the first of the seamstresses that Mrs. Byrne lets go from employment after the stock market crash?

3. Where is the Bar Harbor Library located that Molly goes to in order to research Vivian's past?

4. What was Vivian's sister Maisie's name changed to after she was adopted?

5. What Penobscot word means "thank you"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What assignment is Molly given in her American History class in Section 3? How does Molly intend to approach the assignment?

2. What causes Molly to leave her foster home in Section 4? Where does Molly intend to go after leaving?

3. What are Vivian's first impressions of the Grotes' home in Section 3? What are the Grotes like?

4. What does Vivian think of the school that she begins attending while staying with the Grotes in Section 3?

5. What causes the Byrnes' financial problems in Section 3? How does this impact Vivian?

6. What are Vivian's impressions of her temporary home after she has left the Grotes' home in Section 4?

7. Why do the Nielsens ask Vivian to change her name in Section 4? How does Vivian respond?

8. How are Vivian's teenage years described while living with the Nielsens in Section 4?

9. What are some of the historical aspects of Orphan Train that are presented in Section 3?

10. What are your thoughts on the portrayal of sexual molestation in the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the character of Molly as the protagonist of Orphan Train. What does the exposition in the beginning of the novel reveal about Molly’s past? How has Molly been affected by living in foster care? How does Molly perceive her foster parents? What emotional defenses do you see in Molly’s character?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the history of the Wabanaki Indians and the Penobscot people and which examines correlations between the prejudices against Native Americans and prejudices against the Irish. How are these prejudices illustrated in Orphan Train? What are some examples of bias that are seen against Molly in the novel? What are biases against Vivian that are presented?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Grote in the novel. How old are Mr. and Mrs. Grote? What is their relationship like? How many children live in the Grote home when Vivian arrives? What are Vivian’s impressions of this family?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 976 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample