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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. Which of the Bedwetters bonds most closely with the buffalo, speaking softly to them as they travel?

2. How does Shecker celebrate the buffaloes release?

3. How quickly did the Apaches believe they could beat the Bedwetters in a foot race?

4. What is the morale of Teft's story about the piranha?

5. At camp, how are the campers summoned to the mess hall?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of Cotton's questions about sheep and shepherds after Teft's piranha story?

2. How did Teft end up at Box Canyon Boys' Camp?

3. How do the Bedwetters react when they see the state agents coming toward them in the pickup trucks and Jeep?

4. How did the Bedwetters find themselves present at a buffalo hunting event?

5. How did the Bedwetters complete a "perfect raid" of the cabin trophies over the summer?

6. What story does Teft tell about his cousin and the piranha?

7. How is the final fence broken?

8. How do the Bedwetters feel about guiding the buffalo to safety while sitting in the back of the truck bed?

9. Why does Cotton cut his celebration of the buffaloes' freedom short?

10. Who was the first person to kill a bull buffalo while the Bedwetters watched?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This novel is rife with references to pop culture that are now dated. List at least ten references to pop culture that are present in the novel and explain what they add to the narration. Then, describe whether these references add to or detract from your reading experience as a member of a "modern" audience. Do you think the book would be better off without the pop culture? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Based on the actions of the characters in the novel, what do you think is Swarthout's definition of a hero? In what ways are the Bedwetters heroes both physically and morally? Do you think the Bedwetters are good role models for young boys? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the hierarchy of power at the Box Canyon Boys' Camp. How are the boys divided into their cabins? How do cabins earn/lose power? Then, choose at least one example of a time when the Bedwetters attempted to gain power in camp. What was the result of their attempt? What psychological effect did this attempt have on the group as a whole? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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