View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why doesn't Agba speak to the Sultan?

2. What is the wheat ear?

3. Why is the Sultan pleased with Agba's silence?

4. Why doesn't Agba eat with the other stable boys?

5. What does the wheat ear signify?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is a wild boar kept behind the Sultan's stables?

2. Why is Agba summoned to see the Sultan?

3. How does Big Red win the race in Kenilworth Park against Sir Barton?

4. How do Agba and Sham prepare for the journey to France?

5. How does Agba find nourishment for the orphaned foal?

6. Describe the foal born in Chapter 3.

7. How does Agba prepare for his audience with the Sultan?

8. What special treatment does Agba give the pregnant mare?

9. How does the captain of the ship deceive the Sultan?

10. How is Sham different from the other colts in the stable?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the author use the element of suspense in the novel? How does the author build up suspense? If the element of suspense had not been used so frequently, how would the flow of the novel have been affected, and why?

Essay Topic 2

What role do signs and superstitions play in the novel? How do signs and superstitions affect Sham's character? How do signs and superstitions influence the actions of other characters? If this one element of the book had been omitted, how might Sham's life have been different?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the successes of Man 'o War (Big Red) and Sham. How do these horses prove themselves? What challenges must they overcome in order to succeed? How do their trainers influence their successes?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,028 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample