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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. Where does Billy work to earn enough money to get bus fare?

2. The young girl tells Billy that her grandmother had been married and widowed __________ times by the age of 20.

3. How long does Billy work without seeing anyone?

4. On what holiday does Billy ride out?

5. According to the army recruiter, one in ___________ boys who sign up for the military are not yet 18.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Billy do when he arrives in Deming and who shows Billy kindness?

2. Who does Billy visit before setting off on another long trip?

3. How does the author show what Billy is thinking in this story?

4. With what group does Billy find work and what does he do with his first paycheck?

5. What does Billy's jealousy of Boyd's relationship with the girl prompt Billy to tell the girl?

6. How do Billy, Boyd and the young girl survive over the next few days and what is their ultimate arrangement?

7. What name does Billy use when he signs the army enlistment form?

8. How does Billy finally obtain papers of ownership for the stolen horses?

9. Why does the army recruiter seem to take a special interest in Billy?

10. How does Boyd begin to attain the role of a folk hero?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the significance of the novel's title. What did the author mean by calling the book THE CROSSING? Cite an example to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

THE CROSSING is written in the Western genre. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Mr. Sanders. What is his role in the story? What was the author trying to accomplish by creating Sanders' character in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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