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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 Billie Jo tell Louise that Billie Jo has like her mother?

2. What does Billie Jo take with her when she leaves in the middle of the night?

3. What item is not made for this year's Christmas dinner?

4. The sheriff catches some men producing _________________ down by the river.

5. Why was Ma saving the dimes?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Billie Jo assign human characteristics to her piano?

2. Why are the migrant workers leaving the area in such large numbers?

3. What news does Mad Dog come to deliver to Billie Jo?

4. What is the content of the letter Aunt Ellis sends to Billie Jo?

5. How do the children and the itinerant family interact with each other?

6. How does fire seem to be an ever-present threat in Billie Jo's life?

7. Who is Louise?

8. How does the lack of a mother make Billie Jo unsure of how to manage her feelings about Mad Dog?

9. How does Doc Rice treat both Daddy and Billie Jo?

10. Who is Joe De La Flor and what hardship does he face regarding his cattle?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is much symbolism in this story such as the piano and the pond. Cite at least three examples of symbolism and support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the thought process that Billie Jo has that prompts her to hop a train headed west. What prompts her to return home? What was the purpose of this experience for both Billie Jo and Daddy?

Essay Topic 3

OUT OF THE DUST is a verse novel. Explain the concept of what a verse novel is and cite examples that support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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