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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's father have on his face?

2. With whom does Billie Jo want to leave town?

3. How does Billie Jo test the difference between snow and dust?

4. Where does Billie Jo go in the middle of the night?

5. At what event is Billie Jo unable to play the piano because her hands hurt?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the bittersweet accomplishment Billie Jo makes at school?

2. Why is the lack of cranberry sauce such a poignant lack at Christmas dinner?

3. For what things is Billie Jo thankful on this Thanksgiving?

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

5. Billie Jo has not taken any interest in cleaning the house until she sees someone else scrubbing hardened mud. What does this prompt Billie Jo to do and why does she feel haunted by Ma in her actions?

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

7. How does Billie Jo feel about the famous photographer who comes from Canada to take pictures of the dust bowl?

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

9. What does Billie Jo think her father is looking for when he looks at her?

10. Who are the unexpected tenants of the schoolhouse for a couple weeks?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the role of art and culture in Billie Jo's life? Cite examples to support your answer.

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

The climax of the story is Billie Jo's little train trip and her return home. Explain the meaning of a story's climax. Why does this situation quality as the climax of this story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,069 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample