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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 does Billy learn about his parents when he returns to his home?

2. What do the men take from Billy before ordering him to follow them to a small town?

3. Into what Mexican state does Billy cross into?

4. What does the cow drag through the woods?

5. What kind of animal do Billy and his father find in the trap?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the process of preparing and setting the traps.

2. What eventually happens to the wolf?

3. Where does Billy stop with the wolf on the way to Mexico and what care is provided for them?

4. Under what circumstances do the boys encounter the young girl?

5. What trouble waits for Billy after crossing the river with the wolf who can't swim because of being muzzled?

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

7. What happened to the family dog during the murderous attacks?

8. When do the boys first learn about the wolf?

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

10. What has made the wolf leave her home in Mexico to roam in the United States?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

THE CROSSING is written in the Western genre. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

THE CROSSING is a classic coming of age novel. What does this classification entail? Explain why THE CROSSING fits into this category.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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