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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. When Billy shoots a ___________, he and the wolf eat the entire thing.

2. Why does Billy's horse react frantically?

3. What happened to the boys' dog during the attack at the Parhams' ranch?

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

5. What is the wolf doing when Billy sees her?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the relationship between Billy and Boyd seem to deepen as they travel together?

2. How does Billy reunite with Boyd and how do they escape?

3. What life lesson does Billy learn when he visits the old man to talk about trapping?

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

5. What role does the dog play in the story and what does it come to symbolize?

6. How does the old Indian foreshadow Billy's life?

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

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

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

10. How does Billy manage to survive after he buries the wolf?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Mr. Parham. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him at this point?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Mr. Sanders. What is his role in the story? What was the author trying to accomplish by creating Sanders' character in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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