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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 jungle do Tobias and Zech encounter on the way to the Seminoles?

2. What prize does Zech win in the horse race against Cap'n Hendry?

3. What causes the MacIveys to backtrack on their trip after their home is burned down?

4. What story influences the name Tobias gives to the marshtackie?

5. What does Solomon give his driver as they reach the cabin?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the Cow Cavalry?

2. What is another prospect that Tobias is told about in Chapter 15 and how does it work out?

3. What does Tobias find when he returns home after his second work experience with the Confederates?

4. What does Solomon ask Toby in the beginning of the book, and what is Toby's response?

5. What happens during the second time Tobias is recruited to work for the Confederates?

6. What are the problems Tobias has when beginning to plant orange trees and how does Emma solve it?

7. How do the MacIvey family and the Seminole Indians meet?

8. How do Zech, Bonzo, and Frog lose the cows they have herded and what is Tobias' response?

9. What happens to Tobias and Zech on their way to the Seminole Indian village, and why is it symbolic?

10. What has happened at the trading post in St. Johns River to cause such a shortage in supplies, and what is the result of Tobias' trip there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Tobias goes to work for the Confederates, he gains things that will lead him to his dream of raising cattle, both in supplies and in experience.

1) Describe the events leading up to Tobias' work with the Cow Cavalry, his time with the Confederates, and what he is given that brings him closer to the goal of raising cattle. Also, include how Tobias' time away causes Emma and Zech to defend themselves and the author's reason for their situation.

2) Explain what happens when Tobias is recruited to work for the Confederates a second time, the main differences between it and the previous time, and what he acquires that will help him in his effort to drive cattle.

3) Describe the way the MacIveys' home is burned down, how the family reacts, and the way it unintentionally inspires Tobias to pursue his dream with even more determination.

Essay Topic 2

The issue of land rights becomes a major part of the story for the MacIveys. Provide several examples of how the theme of land, ownership, and preservation is portrayed in the book. In addition, include which characters it affects the most and why.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the advice that Zech gives to Sol after Glenda dies. What are his reasons for the warning he gives Sol? Use the book as a reference to provide examples that explain why Zech looks at life the way he does at this point in the story. How does Sol follow his father's advice in his own life? Do you agree with the advice given by Zech? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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