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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. Where did Brian hit his head?

2. To what did Brian attribute his strange frame of mind?

3. The berries reminded Brian of what?

4. What animal did Brian think he saw in the pond?

5. What does Brian call the food he ate?

Short Essay Questions

1. What encourages Brian not to give up on the fire?

2. Examine how Brian knows as much as he does about living in the woods.

3. Examine why it was not possible for Brian to hear his father or Terry in the dreams.

4. Discuss why Brian is upset by his reflection.

5. Explain how Brian takes stock of his options.

6. Explain why throwing the hatchet was foolish.

7. What benefits were created by having a fire?

8. Why was Brian so afraid of an animal outside the shelter?

9. Discuss what might have happened if Brian was unable to remove the quills from his leg.

10. How does Brian know what is happening to the pilot?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the beginning of the story, Brian's relationship with his mother was strained. After Brian returned home, the relationship seemed to smooth out. What made Brian realize that his mother had to have her own life? At what point does Brian stop being so angry with his mother? Do you think Brian will ever accept his mother's boyfriend?

Essay Topic 2

On more than one occasion, Brian had encounters with the animals. Most notably the meeting with the wolf and the bear. Examine animal intelligence and how underestimating that intelligence might have been a fatal error for Brian. What might have happened if Brian had tried to dominate the animals rather than respect their space? How would you feel if confronted by a bear?

Essay Topic 3

Brian's determination helped him gain the strength to build the shelter. How did Brian know how to build a lean-to? Do you think his knowledge was gained from television, real life experience, or instruction? Why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 457 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample