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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. From where had the animal come?

2. Which of these items was not in the survival pack?

3. Which of these things does not hinder Brian from building a new fire?

4. What does Brian narrowly avoid stepping on in the woods?

5. What noise startles Brian from his cooking chores?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the exchange between Brian and the wolf.

2. Explain what made Brian notice the fish for the first time?

3. How did the approach of the plane change Brian's attitudes?

4. Examine the reason the fish spear did not work.

5. Examine Brian's sense of pride.

6. Explain why Brian referred to the birds as foolbirds.

7. Explain how mistakes in the wilderness are different from mistakes in city life?

8. What good thing came out of Brian's frustration at the lack of entry into the plane?

9. Why was Brian reluctant to eat the eggs?

10. Why was Brian against leaving the fire?

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

In the beginning of the story, Brian is upset with his mother over "The Secret." Do you think it was helpful or harmful for Brian to stay quiet about it? How might the story have changed if Brian had discussed the situation and the divorce with his mother?

Essay Topic 3

Brian kept track of his "First Days" as a way of marking time in an unconventional way. Two different times, Brian celebrated his rebirth into a new person. Explain why it was important for Brian to realize that he was evolving and the purpose of keeping track of those days.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 488 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample