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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 is the final vote when the boys decide, as a group, whether or not they are ready to complete their quest?

2. What causes a lump to form in Cotton's throat as they are driving through the wilderness at nighttime?

3. When threats of retuning home arise in the vote, which Bedwetter promises to go on, completing the quest on his own?

4. What part of the bullies' car does Teft damage when he shoots the rifle at it?

5. Where did Cotton first learn about "bumping"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What type of car do the boys want to steal from the motel parking lot?

2. Who takes control, and how, when the bullies discover the boys are driving a stolen vehicle?

3. Why did the boys finally fall apart, threatening to quit the quest and return to camp?

4. After waking up from his dream, what does Cotton realize has happened in camp while he slept?

5. How did Teft save the boys from the abuse of their camp counselor, Wheatie?

6. What gruesome discovery do the boys make when they reach their destination?

7. Why did Lally One throw a temper tantrum and kill the animals in camp?

8. What family troubles does Goodenow struggle with when he is not at camp?

9. How does Box Canyon Boys' Camp reward good behavior and hard work?

10. How do the boys respond when they are first harassed by the bullies at the bowling alley?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, the Bedwetters stress the idea that they are a team. Do you agree with this assessment of the group? Why or why not? Describe what each of the Bedwetters contributes to their team mission. How does the Bedwetter's definition of team and teamwork change throughout their quest? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

How does Swarthout define manhood in the novel? First, describe the definitions of manhood present in Box Canyon Boys' Camp. How does one act like a man in this setting? Then, compare / contrast that to the definition of manhood the Bedwetters have. Which definition do you think is closer to Swarthout's as the author? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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