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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. Who arrives at the movie set that night?

2. In Phoenix, Ralph befriends a couple who owns a ___________________.

3. What does Mr. Larsen give to Ralph and Lonnie before they leave town?

4. Ralph makes a deal with the movie people for _______________ per fall.

5. How do Ralph and Lonnie spend most of the day they slid off the road?

Short Essay Questions

1. What advice does the train conductor give Ralph about jumping trains?

2. Explain the experience the boys have while trying to get the car up the hills?

3. What are Ralph's plans for employment when he reaches Arizona and why does he have a hard time finding a job?

4. How does the mechanic back out on his deal with the boys, and what does he do to try to keep the boys from taking the car?

5. Who creates a commotion on the movie set one night?

6. Who is Ralph's family doctor and what does the doctor encourage Ralph to do to help his condition?

7. Who is Lonnie, and where do he and Ralph head to look for jobs?

8. What does Ralph negotiate for the next day as Lonnie works on the car?

9. What advice does the train conductor give to Ralph about finding a job on a ranch?

10. What does Lonnie do while driving and learning that Ralph is willing to let Lonnie be part owner of the vehicle?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Ralph's mother. What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Ralph's mother?

Essay Topic 2

"Shaking the Nickel Bush" is a classic story of coming of age. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Despite the extremely trying times in this post-World War I era, the people who Ralph meets are, for the most part, very generous and supportive of each other. Cite at least three examples that show this strength of character and generosity.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 862 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample