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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 Ezra say he feels like?

2. What does Ezra do when Nyla introduces herself?

3. Why does Nyle refuse Muncie's invitation?

4. How does Ezra respond?

5. When Nyla starts crying, what does Ezra do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does it mean when Nyle looks at all of her treasures and realizes that if the wind shifts, she will have to leave them all behind?

2. How do you think the theme of determination plays out in this chapter?

3. How does Mr. Sobel get Nyle thinking about radiation poisoning and why is the topic particularly applicable?

4. How does the emotion of anger appear in this chapter?

5. Why is it ironic that Nyle has to frighten off Tyrus from the sheep?

6. Would you have responded the same way as Nyle when Muncie asks her what is going on at Nyle's house?

7. What else occurs at the beginning of this chapter that gives Nyle a sense of unease?

8. Of what is the open curtain symbolic?

9. What does Mrs. Haskins assign her students to do and do you think this is mixing education with politics?

10. What do you think Ezra means when he says he feels like a phoenix?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter 2, Nyle asks Gran about anger. Nyle admits to being so angry she can see "the blood inside your eyes." Gran wisely advises her to lose the anger because it is not good for a person to hang on to that kind of anger. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed essay using specific examples and details:

1. Do you think Gran's advice is sound? Why or why not?

2. How do you think Nyle can go about "losing" her anger?

3. Where else does Nyle's anger appear in the story? Is her anger justified? Understandable? What can she do to let go of the anger?

4. Can you use your advice about how Nyle can let go of her anger and apply it to any way your own anger is sparked? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

In chapter 3, Mr. Sobel, the science teacher, informs the students all about radioactive materials. Nyle reflects on how much better science class was when it was just text in a book and not material that the children experienced firsthand. Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed essay using specific examples and details:

1. What is ironic about Mr. Sobel's science lesson? Do you think the irony is humorous or tragic? Why?

2. We have all heard the statement, "learn by experience." Now it is apparent there are times when that's not the best way to learn. When is learning by experience helpful? When can it be harmful? How does Ezra learn by experience in a harmful way? In a helpful way (see chapter 21)?

3. Which type of learning do you prefer--hands on or book learning? Why?

Essay Topic 3

In chapter 21, Ezra begins to talk about his pent-up feelings to Nyle. Ezra tries to explain to Nyle how he feels about the accident and his father's death. Ezra talks more than he ever has, and Nyle, not knowing what to say, says nothing and just listens to him. Ezra confides in her and eventually he breaks down after she wraps her arms around him. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. Ezra's talking about his feelings of guilt and crying are a catharsis. Explain this term and how it applies to Ezra.

2. Do you think Nyle does the best thing in the situation by not offering solutions or pat answers? Why or why not?

3. What would you want a friend to do when you are trying to express some very painful emotions? Do you have any friends or family members that would interpret your need correctly? How does it feel to have someone like that in your life?

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