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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 is the single thing Mother names as the only worry someone has when planning the task she says she could complete one-handed?

2. To what day does the narrator look forward in order to get a break from the Herdmans?

3. Who usually coordinates the Christmas pageant?

4. What is NOT listed among the activities performed by the Sunday School children when they attend church services?

5. The narrator states that Elmer, the minister's son, has always traditionally taken what role within the pageant?

Short Essay Questions

1. For what reason do the Herdman siblings believe they have found evidence proving Charlie's promises of food at church to be valid?

2. The narrator begins the narrative of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by describing what event?

3. How does the author employ foreshadowing at the end of Chapter Two?

4. How does Mother come to be in charge of coordinating the pageant, rather than taking on some other role?

5. What evidence is presented in Chapter One regarding the dire nature of the Herdman family's financial situation?

6. What is the symbolism of the Beware of Cat sign in the Herdmans' front yard?

7. What level of involvement had Mother expected to have in the pageant prior to taking over as coordinator?

8. What happens to create several open jobs within the church during the holiday season and which jobs become vacant?

9. For what purpose does the author go out of her way to portray the Herdman children as unteachable?

10. Discuss the author's use of vivid imagery within the scene of the Herdmans' first time at Sunday school.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explicate the theme of family bonds within Barbara Robinson’s novel The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. What is the author's message regarding family bonds and what scenes and situations within the narrative support your claims?

Essay Topic 2

What is the author's message regarding poverty in Barbara Robinson’s novel The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and what themes or symbols does the author employ in order to send these messages to the reader?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the author’s use of humor to get across main messages present within The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Be sure to discuss the reasons for your conclusions.

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