View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the old man's caregiver warn Billy about?

2. What does Billy do when the wolf tries to run?

3. How does Billy incapacitate the wolf?

4. How old is Boyd when Billy encounters the wolf?

5. What is Billy's horse's name?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Billy find when he returns home?

2. When is the last time that Billy sees his father?

3. What are Billy's thoughts when he sees the wolf caught in the trap at the campfire?

4. How much of Billy's decision not to return home is a conscious decision?

5. How does Billy provide food and water for the wolf on the trip?

6. Why does Billy set a wolf trap in the vaqueros' smoldering campfire?

7. What happens when the wolf gets free of her muzzle?

8. What eventually happens to the wolf?

9. How do Billy and Boyd discuss their parents' murders?

10. Describe the boys' encounter with an Indian while they are out gathering wood one day.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nature takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the significance of the novel's title. What did the author mean by calling the book THE CROSSING? Cite an example to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,116 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample