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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 does Herriot help Grier do?

2. When the book begins what is James Herriot called to do?

3. What happens because of this discovery?

4. In chapter 37, Herriot does surgery on a dog that has what problem?

5. Who has been taking money from the petty cash box?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens in chapter 31 that helps to show Herriot's human side?

2. Who is Miss Harbottle and why does she get upset with Dr. Farnon?

3. What community disaster involving Tristan happens in chapter 16?

4. In Chapter 5, Herriot has to make a difficult decision; how does the character Soames make the decision more difficult?

5. What unexpected fact about Dr Grier and one of his clients, named Mrs Mallard, does Herriot uncover?

6. In what amusing way does Mrs. Pumphrey describe Herriot's relationship with her animals?

7. How would you describe Dr. Farnon?

8. Briefly explain what a knacker does.

9. Briefly describe how Tristan handles a tough assignment in chapter 24.

10. In chapter 21, Tristan is given a very tough assignment. What is the task and what do you think it says about Dr. Farnon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Through out the book, Herriot shows an uncanny ability to diagnose problems with animals. List several examples of this ability. He also has at least one instance when he makes a wrong diagnosis; summarize this occurrence, then explain some of the difficulties a vet faces in deciding what is wrong with an animal.

Essay Topic 2

Share at least 4 examples of anecdotes which Herriot shares to show Tristan's lack of responsibility. Share some of the positive things that the book has to say about Tristan.

Essay Topic 3

Briefly recount the story of Herriot, Angus Grier, and Mrs. Mallard. Why do you think Herriot was so shocked and upset about the discovery he made of Dr. Grier's and Mrs. Mallard's relationship?

(see the answer keys)

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