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 hope floats in in this chapter, August 1934?

2. When did Ma start to teach Billie Jo how to play the piano?

3. How old will Billie Jo be when her mother has the new baby?

4. How much wheat does one farmer get from a 20-bushel acre?

5. How does Billie Jo have to set the table during the dust bowl era?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the symbolism of Ma's death which corresponds with the devastation of the apple trees.

2. Explain how people view Billie Jo now that her hands are injured.

3. Explain the accident that severely injures Ma and Billie Jo.

4. What is the irony of Ma not liking Billie Jo to play the piano?

5. What is the dust a metaphor for?

6. How does Billie Jo earn money playing the piano?

7. How does Mad Dog make Billie Jo feel like things are back to normal at least for a little bit?

8. Explain Billie Jo's reference to red poppies.

9. Describe the dust storm that wakes Billie Jo at night.

10. Who is Billie Jo? What does she like? Where does she live and who is her family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The dust takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

Write a character sketch of Daddy. Be sure to include both physical and emotional characteristics as well as personal motivations, fears, etc.

Essay Topic 3

Who is Mad Dog and what role does he play in Billie Jo's life as the story extends? Cite examples to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,077 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample