Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Part 1

Reading Check

1. Where was Billie Jo born?

2. When did the last good crop of wheat come?

3. Who taught Billie Jo to play the piano?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Billie Jo feel about playing the piano?

2. What are some ways dust is impacting the family’s daily lives?

Part 2

Reading Check

1. Who suggests Daddy dig a pond to help with the farming?

2. Though he usually harvests 20 bushels of wheat, this June, how many bushels of wheat does Mr. Haverstick get?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does the family feel about and treat the apple trees, and what might the apple trees symbolize?

2. When the farm gets rain after the dust storm, how is it harmful rather than helpful?

Paired Resource

“The Dust Bowl Intro”

• This 5-minute PBS video presents an overview of the Dust Bowl’s events and their effects.
• The video connects to the themes of Finding Hope Amidst Tragedy, Resilience of the Human Spirit, and The Impact of Ignorance on Environment and Society.