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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 happens to Coyote Runs in the chaos after the raid?

2. What does Brennan like to do for fun?

3. Where does Coyote Runs' tribe occasionally get beef?

4. Why didn't Brennan use an excuse to get out of going on the trip?

5. What does Brennan like to talk about while working?

Short Essay Questions

1. When does Coyote Runs' group travel and where do they stop to rest?

2. What does Brennan do as the kids begin to settle down?

3. What does Brennan notice as he is arriving at his house in Chapter 2?

4. What was the school Coyote Runs' attended suppose to do for him?

5. Why does Brennan work and for whom does he work?

6. What does Brennan hear and what does he do with the skull?

7. What kind of gun does Coyote Runs have and what will he be doing with the people in question #6?

8. What does Bill tell the children about and what is the name of the canyon near them that relates to his story?

9. Where does Brennan's mother tell him they are going and with whom?

10. What does Brennan suggest at the camp site to settle the children?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think Canyons is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an important part of what makes Canyons interesting. Discuss the following characters:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Brennan. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Coyote Runs. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Brennan's mother. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Canyons help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Canyons? Why or why not?

3. Choose one specific incident in Canyons to discuss and compare Brennan's response to how you think you would respond.

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