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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 when Brennan looks back at the men?

2. What is Brennan convinced of regarding the skull?

3. To what did Brennan's activities with Mr. Homeley lead?

4. What is the first reason Brennan gives his mother for not telling her about the skull?

5. How many rounds of ammunition is each soldier given on patrol?

Short Essay Questions

1. What film did thinking about the bullet hole remind Brennan of and why did he think of it?

2. What is suggested about why the person to whom the skull belongs was killed and what suggestion is made for Brennan to find more information?

3. What dream did Brennan have in Chapter 11 about an eagle?

4. What does Brennan find out when he comes home in Chapter 21?

5. What does Brennan pass in the canyon and what does he know?

6. Where does Brennan meet Mr. Homesley, who do they see there and what does that person tell them about?

7. What does the commander answer in response to the letter in question #49? What does Brennan conclude from this report?

8. What does Brennan read that he thinks may be relevant to the skull?

9. Where is Brennan by morning and what does he find there?

10. What does Brennan learn about the probable cause of death?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

Brennan is embarrassed when Mr. Homesley singles him out and asks him to search for a beetle in the grass. He always feels awkward and shy at school and feels he does not fit in well with the other students.

1. What do you think a student should do if she/he doesn't fit into the crowd at school? Use examples from Canyons and your life to support your answer.

2. What do you think makes a student stick out from others? Use examples from Canyons and your life to support your answer.

3. Why do you think children tend to pick on another who is different?

(see the answer keys)

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