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. According to the Old Ones, what do the birds speak with?

2. Outside the manor, which sign is burned into Will's forearm and causes the Rider to fall back?

3. Whose room does Will sleep in on Christmas Eve?

4. According to George, moving water is free of what?

5. Where do the glowing signs lead Will at the end of the Dark's attack?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is strange about the gift Stephen sent to Will for Christmas?

2. Why does Hawkin betray the Light and the Old Ones?

3. What is the importance of Will taking the white horse to the Hunter?

4. How does Merriman use the weather to help Will with the Walker, and to help him against the Dark?

5. How does Will convince Paul that nothing strange is going on?

6. Why is Will able to reconcile his old self with his Old One self after he returns home?

7. What is the importance of the Walker's whereabouts being revealed to Will by a rook--an animal of the Dark?

8. What purpose does the Walker's visit to the Stanton home serve to the overall plot of the story?

9. Why does Hawkin betray Merriman and the Light?

10. How does Will demonstrate changes and reveals his new powers to others?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Herne Hunt and the Wren are ancient legends that are incorporated into the Dark is Rising text. How are these two tales important to the overall plot?

Essay Topic 2

The Signs are instrumental to Will's mission and to the Old Ones' attempt to keep the Dark from rising. Define the importance of each sign's origins (wood, iron, bronze, fire, etc.) and their elemental significance.

Essay Topic 3

Explain why Hawkin's betrayal is justified or not justified. Does he receive proper justice in the end? Be sure to include some of his dialogue from the novel that supports your position.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,253 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample