View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Quicksand is simply
(a) Pasty lava-type sand
(b) Hot fine grained sand
(c) A mixture of soft sand and water
(d) Cold, chunky viscous sand

2. Why did Abbey's friend from Cleveland think the desert would be a better place if it had water?
(a) Because it would be a better tourist attraction
(b) Because more people could live there
(c) Because it would be more beautiful
(d) Because it would be greener

3. Edward attaches a red bandanna to a ridgepole in honor of
(a) Mothers' Day
(b) April Fools' Day
(c) Spring Solstice
(d) May Day

4. When he sees a rattlesnake, Abbey reminds himself
(a) He would rather kill a snake than a human
(b) Humans are more important than wildlife
(c) It is his job to protect life within the park boundaries
(d) Snakes are vermin and could kill him

5. The difference between Navajos and other poverty-stricken cultures is
(a) They are overseen by the BIA
(b) They must report their medical services to the government
(c) Their population growth is monitored by the state
(d) They are inadequate by national standards

Short Answer Questions

1. We learn that Abbey was raised

2. Just before he heard a jeep approaching, Abbey saw a

3. The physical comforts in his trailer include

4. Vernon Pick managed to sufficiently purify his water by

5. Edward Abbey lies like a snake on the edge of a dune to

Short Essay Questions

1. For what does the author seem to be searching by taking this job?

2. What is an example of the primitive attitudes of Native Americans, as expressed by Abbey?

3. Is it beneficial to the Navajos that their population is increasing?

4. Where in this chapter does Abbey foreshadow a story involving quicksand?

5. What does Abbey mean by "pox vobiscum," and "swinish politics?"

6. Abbey seems to jump back and forth in time in his book. Where in this chapter does that first become obvious?

7. Abbey mentions that both men he meets are married and have children. Can we assume Abbey is neither? Why or why not?

8. Discuss Abbey's relationship with the natural world as he watches the stars.

9. Why was Turnbow Cabin built?

10. What is Roy Scobie's problem?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 965 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample