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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. From where are the mother and son in the back room?

2. Who does Nyle invite along?

3. What does Ezra call Nyle?

4. Of what does Ezra's speaking just once remind Mrs. Trent?

5. How is it clear that Ezra has improved?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is ironic about Ezra's feeling about the back room?

3. What emotion do you think Muncie is feeling as she inquires why Nyle did not come study with her the night before?

4. What is the first sign of hope that Ezra shows?

5. How is it obvious that the two teens feel some attraction for each other?

6. What emotion is Nyle experiencing and what is Gran's advice about the emotion? Do you think it is wise advice?

7. 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?

8. The issue of a drawn curtain occurs in this chapter, in previous chapters, and in future chapters. How does this issue come up in this chapter and venture a guess as to the significance of the incident.

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

10. What does Nyle see as she approaches the farmhouse and what might it foreshadow?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter one and other subsequent chapters, Ripley taunts Muncie for being different physically from the average person. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed essay using specific examples and details:

1. Discuss Muncie's physical differences and how that probably impacts her emotional responses to people. Give examples to support your thesis.

2. How has taunting of someone caused terrible repercussions in some school settings? Give examples and your analysis of the situations.

3. What are ways to teach children to accept differences? What could have been done to help Ripley accept differences? Give examples from your experience and the book.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

The contrast between Mrs. Trent's (and Ezra's as well) background and that of the sheep farmers is obvious in this chapter when Nyle notices several contrasts between her and Mrs. Trent. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. What are the contrast that Nyle notices?

2. Do you think Mrs. Trent feels the contrast as greatly as Nyle does? Why or why not?

3. What do you think a possible theme suggested by the scene when Nyle notices her hands compared to Mrs. Trent's? Can you find threads of this theme elsewhere?

(see the answer keys)

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