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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. What does Mama ask Travis to do after he milks the cows?

2. Why is Travis concerned about being the man of the family?

3. Who does Lisbeth say she saw stealing from the settlement?

4. What does Travis do to try and drive the bulls away from the cabin?

5. Why do the hogs, cattle, and wild animals come to the Salt Licks?

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize how Old Yeller controls the heifer, Spot.

2. Summarize Old Yeller's condition when he returns home after rescuing Little Arliss.

3. Summarize the warning the Burn Sanderson gives to Travis before he rides off.

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

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

6. Describe Old Yeller's appearance.

7. Explain why Travis doesn't want another dog.

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

9. Summarize why Mama names the area in which they live Birdsong Creek.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Analyze the character of Little Arliss regarding his passion for the things he cares about.

2) How does Arliss react to most situations when he feels he is a victim of injustice? Cite examples from the novel.

3) What is Little Arliss' solution to protecting those he loves? Describe his selflessness during these situations.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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