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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. In Chapter 15, "We Explore Inland," what new creature does Franz discover and kill?

2. In Chapter 16, "A Winged Steed," how does the family try to secure the Gap before they leave the area?

3. In Chapter 11, "Our Estates," who suggests making a cave for a winter home?

4. In Chapter 18, "Repairs and Fortifications," which brother again stays back with his parents while the other boys go off on an expedition?

5. In Chapter 13, "Unpleasant Tasks," what happens to Jack when he is gathering canes?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 15, "We Explore Inland," how does Ernest kill the muskrats, and what does he intend to do with them?

2. In Chapter 15, "We Explore Inland," where does the family explore for the first time and what new animal do they capture to ride, there?

3. In Chapter 13, "Unpleasant Tasks," what improvements are made to the cave house during the winter?

4. In Chapter 14, "A Casualty," when the sea turtle is towing the pinnace, what do the boys call the narrator, and how does he respond?

5. In Chapter 10, "Changing Seasons," how does the family make a staircase to their treehouse?

6. In Chapter 18, "Repairs and Fortifications," what do the boys find has happened at Prospect Hill, and what is their response?

7. In Chapter 16, "A Winged Steed," what does the narrator feel as the boys ride away on their first solo expedition?

8. At the end of Chapter 18, "Repairs and Fortifications," what construction of Fritz's planning does the family finally find time to work on, and what are the details of its construction?

9. In Chapter 10, "Changing Seasons," how does the narrator explain grafting to his sons?

10. In Chapter 11, "Our Estates," what new source of potential danger does the family discover, and what do they decide to do about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose a chapter of the book to evaluate for its scientific accuracy. Consider both the events and the dialogue--use the internet to investigate whether the things that happen and the scientific principles that the characters discuss are or are not accurate. Be sure to cite your sources in MLA format.

Essay Topic 2

Choose another castaway story to compare and contrast with The Swiss Family Robinson. Consider plot, setting, characterization, and theme as you explore the similarities and differences. Be sure to use textual evidence from both stories and to cite your sources in MLA format.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you analyze the value of the island in this story as a microcosm of the larger world. In what ways does it resemble the larger world, and in what ways is it an imperfect allegory for the world itself? Be sure to use textual evidence to support your claims.

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