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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 Jared spread on the floor of the kitchen?

2. Why does Jared put milk out in the kitchen in a bowl on the floor.

3. What does the field guide suggest ways to track?

4. What has strange words from newspaper clippings?

5. What is the picture in Jared's book that looks like an old man with a heavy coat and scarf?

Short Essay Questions

1. What phrase is Jared thinking about in the poem, and where does he decide to go?

2. What is the most upsetting thing about the problems downstairs and what does Jared's mother accuse him of concerning Simon's mice?

3. What does Simon speculate to Jared about Mallory's situation and what does Jared say to him? How does Simon react to Jared's suggestion?

4. What wakes Jared in the morning, where does he run, what does he see and who else is there with him?

5. What does Jared think might be in the wall?

6. What is Jared doing that night that surprises Simon, what is Simon doing and what is Jared thinking about?

7. How does Jared answer the accusations, what does Simon believe and what does Jared's mother do to Jared?

8. What does Jared think about as to his situation and his aunt Lucinda?

9. What does Jared do with the black plastic garbage bag and what does he see inside it?

10. What does Jared point out in the kitchen and what happens to his evidence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mrs. Grace feels the dangers in the house, but is concerned with things like finding out that Jared has been running around the attic.

1. Why do you think Mrs. Grace is alarmed at Jared's behavior? Use examples from The Field Guide and your own life to support your answer.

2. Have you ever felt that life was scary because it was uncertain? Why or why not? Use examples from your own life to support your answer.

3. What are some of the things you think are absolutely certain about life and what are some that you think are completely uncertain?

Essay Topic 2

As in many fantasy novels, magic is an inherent part of a few of the characters. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the use of magic in The Field Guide. Who possesses magic as an inherent aspect of their nature? Who can wield magic through the use of a tool? What is the difference between the two types of magical usage? Is one more powerful than the other?

2. Why do you think magic exists in so many fantasy novels? Do you think a novel can be "fantasy" and there be no magic as a part of the storyline? Why or why not.

3. Why would you want to possess Thimbletack's magic? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The Field Guide, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement.) Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements (They may not contain every element of a major plot.) Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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