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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. How does Travis react to the news about hydrophobia?

2. What does Mama prepare for supper after Old Yeller arrives?

3. Why does Little Arliss want to keep Old Yeller?

4. What keeps Travis and Old Yeller busy all night long?

5. How does Travis know that Little Arliss is in trouble?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the situation when Travis finds Spot and her new calf.

2. Describe the bulls that come near the cabin to fight with one another.

3. Describe why Travis goes to the Salt Licks to hunt for deer.

4. What is the news that Bud Searcy brings to Mama on his visit?

5. Describe the situation when Travis shoots the deer.

6. Explain why Travis doesn't want to shoot a javelina hog.

7. Describe how Travis treats Old Yeller after the dog saves Little Arliss.

8. Explain what Old Yeller does to save Little Arliss from certain death.

9. Explain what Old Yeller does when Travis comes out of the cabin with the whip.

10. Explain what Travis does to the big dog when he sees him for the first time and what is the dog's reaction.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Evaluate the elements of cause and effect in the story using examples from the novel.

2) Choose three events from the story which cause Travis life to undergo a change.

3) How does he react to the events and their effects?

4) How does he grow emotionally in his own life and in his attitude toward his family because of these changes?

Essay Topic 2

1) Analyze Travis' coming of age throughout the novel.

2) What fears and emotions does he experience as he grows in each chapter of the novel?

3) How do his attitudes change as he develops from the boy when his Papa leaves to the young man at the end of the novel?

4) Cite examples of the character changes Travis goes through from different events in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

1) Compare and contrast the actions of the puppy at the end of the novel with the actions of Old Yeller in the beginning of the novel.

2) How do the actions of the puppy help Travis out of his depression over Old Yeller's death?

3) What emotions does Travis express when he sees Little Arliss and the puppy in the drinking water?

4) Discuss the conflicting emotions Travis reveals and explain his future plans for the puppy.

(see the answer keys)

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