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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 Gran say Nyle needs to do?

2. How does Munice interpret Nyla's reluctance to talk?

3. How does Nyle try to entice Ezra out of his room?

4. What do the girls do in Radio Shack?

5. Who killed the sheep?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What are the girls studying in their English class that is a major theme of this book?

5. Describe Nyle's attempts to scare the neighbor's dog, Tyrus, away from the sheep. Why does Nyle want Tyrus to get off her property?

6. What adds to the tension between the Muncie and Nyle?

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

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

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

10. Mrs. Trent reveals that she disappoints her parents by marrying out of the faith and that she is paying the price now. Do you think this is true?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter 19, when Ezra and Nyle are in his room doing homework, the fire department sirens go off. Immediately, he commands Nyle to close the curtains. Nyle tries to calm Ezra's fears, but he succumbs to them anyway. Soon, the sirens dissipate, and they hear a lone fire truck drive by on the road. Ezra recovers quickly and thanks Nyle for understanding. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. How long do you think Ezra will react to stimuli that remind him of the accident? If he lived for many years after this, do you think at some point he would be completely over the trauma of this time? Why or why not?

2. There is a psychological condition called post traumatic stress syndrome (or disease). Learn a little about this state and decide if you think Ezra suffers from this problem. Explain your analysis.

3. What do you think it will take for Ezra to heal?

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

In chapter 8, Nyle thinks about how the back room used to symbolize happiness for her. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. Compare and contrast how the back room was used in better times to the way the back room is used as a "hospital" room.

2. What is ironic about the fact that Nyle's tears of anger and grief are what seems to jolt Ezra into communicating briefly?

3. Does the emotional meaning of the back room change at some point for Nyle? Explain, using examples.

(see the answer keys)

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