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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. Any cow found without a brand

2. Scobie is only able to sleep

3. Much of the fauna growing near Abbey's trailer is

4. What is Abbey saying about the area in the Graham and Husk story?

5. Abbey suggests that former cowboys, like Indians, may be

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Abbey's watch seem absurd to him?

3. Explain Abbey's reasoning that joy may support survival.

4. How seriously is Abbey taking this government job?

5. Explain why Abbey prefers not to use a flashlight in the dark.

6. Explain Abbey's description of the life cycle of the spadefoot toad.

7. What is Roy Scobie's problem?

8. Explain Abbey's frustration with Roy Scobie.

9. Why would the obsidian shards be named "Apache tears?"

10. Why does Abbey kill a wild rabbit?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose ten plants or bushes that Abbey describes in this book, and do more intensive study on the flora of the desert by researching these particular plant species. Why does each thrive in the desert, what are their built-in defense systems, what seasons do they bloom or go to seed, how does each reproduce, and what intrinsic values do they possess in terms of beauty, sustenance for other living things, medicinal properties, shade, etc. Try to locate visual images of the plants to add to your essay.

Essay Topic 2

The man-made lakes that have been developed by the federal government in the Arches parks are named after men who personally experienced those areas. Research and write about the two men after whom the major lakes have been named, and their contributions to the area. Do you feel their contributions are congruent with the projects that have been named in their honor? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Consider the time(s) in history that this book was written. By the time of the last printing of this story, what had happened that had exposed, particularly to Americans, the true nature of the rat race we had created? Would this book have been more important if it had been written during another era? Would it have been given more attention by reviewers and critics if it had been written in this decade? Be sure to read Abbey's Preface to learn about how the book was received.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 988 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample