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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 7, who did Ginger buck off of her?

2. Which horse had Mrs. Gordon sent James off on in the storm to look for Mr. Gordon, John, and Black Beauty?

3. What caused Ginger to rear up and kick in Chapter 23?

4. Which member of the Gordon family always rode Black Beauty in a riding party?

5. How old was James about to turn in Chapter 14?

Short Essay Questions

1. What example of foreshadowing occurs in Chapter 24?

2. What does it say about John’s character that he agreed to hire Little Joe Green?

3. How did Joe’s actions in Chapter 20 show that he was a good fit to work for Squire Gordon?

4. How is the theme of cruelty introduced in Chapter 13?

5. How did John show a fatherly side to James?

6. What purpose might the old hostler serve in the novel?

7. How is the idea of fashion represented in Chapter 10?

8. How does Black Beauty describe what ‘breaking in’ is for readers?

9. How did Ginger’s childhood compare to Black Beauty’s childhood?

10. What was the point of the speech Mr. Gordon gave Captain Langley? What were his main arguments?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Multiple themes run through Black Beauty. Select two themes from the novel; how is each theme presented? How do the themes work together?

Essay Topic 2

Many words of wisdom are handed down to Black Beauty throughout this life. Who doles out wisdom to Black Beauty, and to what does it apply? Did someone’s wisdom resonate more with Black Beauty than others?

Essay Topic 3

Black Beauty develops many different friendships. Compare/contrast any two friendships that Black Beauty has in the novel. What does Black Beauty have to offer his friend? What does his friend have to offer Black Beauty?

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