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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 do Nyle and Ezra do every night?

2. What becomes easier for Ezra?

3. What does Gran say to Nyle asking about the Trents staying on indefinitely?

4. What does Ezra put in his arms?

5. What is Nyla's assignment for History?

Short Essay Questions

1. What gets Nyle thinking about her father and why is she mad at him (though, perhaps she unconscious of the reason)?

2. What happens that probably garners sympathy for Ripley on the part of the characters and readers?

3. Why do you think Ezra stiffens up when they come close to the house and there is smoke?

4. What is admirable about Uncle Lemmy's choices after the nuclear disaster?

5. How does Ezra seem to fare on his first day of school?

6. How does Muncie prove that despite her ups and downs with her friendship with Nyle she is a true friend?

7. How does Ripley demonstrate that he is a bully?

8. Describe Muncie's reaction to Nyle wanting to sit next to her on the bus.

9. How does Muncie respond to Nyle finally telling her about Ezra? Do you think Muncie's response is reasonable?

10. How do you think the image of sheep is used by Ezra in this chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

In chapter 5, Nyle sits on her bed listening to the radio and notices all of her treasures. Nyle looks at all of them and realizes that if the wind shifts, she will have to leave all of her treasures behind. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. Do you think Nyle thinking about her treasures and the loss she would feel changes her attitude towards Ezra. Why or why not?

2. What treasures do you have that would be very difficult to abandon for whatever reason? Would any of them be worth risking your life to save?

3. What lesson(s) does Nyle ultimately learn about what is important? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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