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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 Nyle do when the two arrive at school?

2. What do the teens teach the puppy?

3. Why does Ripley start crying?

4. What does Nyle think the kids believe about her and Ezra?

5. Why does Nyle come back outside?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the difference in the way Nyle and Ezra interpret Nyle's history assignment?

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

3. What sort of epiphany does Nyle have about Ezra as he begins to heal?

4. What are signs of Ezra's improvement?

5. How does Nyle wisely help Ezra feel comfortable in her room?

6. How does Muncie try to prepare Nyle for Ezra's possible death?

7. How does Nyle show wisdom in her interaction with Ezra about the puppy?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter 15, Nyle brings up the idea of Mrs. Trent and Ezra staying on after Ezra is well. Gran tells her that it is important for them to make a fresh start, and in order to do so, Mrs. Trent and Ezra need to leave. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. Do you think Mrs. Trent and Ezra would be unable to heal emotionally from the accident if they continue to live in the area? Why or why not?

2. This small act of letting go that Nyle does in chapter 15 is a prelude to a much greater act of letting go that Nyle must do in chapter 29. What happens that helps Nyle mature to the point that she learns to let go? Give some examples of her maturing process between chapters 15 and 29.

3. At this point in the story, it seems possible that Ezra will heal completely and be able to start a new life elsewhere. Knowing how so much of what happens in this chapter and the next 10 or so chapters, points to a complete recovery, how hard is it for you, the reader, to also "let go" and accept that Ezra dies? Do you feel tricked or cheated?

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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