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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. How does William MacDonald feel about the new neighbor?

2. At the end of Chapter Three, William comments on what behavior from Ben?

3. How many days of travel did it take the MacDonalds to find open land north of Winnipeg when they were searching for a farm site?

4. From how far away can a male badger detect a female's scent?

5. With which of Ben's siblings does he NOT have a good relationship?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened to the badger's last litter?

2. According to the townspeople of Winnipeg, why does Burton take his dog, Lobo, with him wherever he goes?

3. Why does William hit Ben when Ben tries to stop him from skinning the badger?

4. In Chapter Five, Burton tells a story of a fight Lobo had when he was a puppy. Describe the fight.

5. Explain the development of the baby badgers as described in Chapter Four.

6. What occurrence leads the MacDonalds to name the site for the new farm?

7. Why does Burton wish to trap on the MacDonald's land?

8. How do the townspeople of Winnipeg react to the stories of Ben's relationship with animals?

9. What reasons does the author give in Chapter Three for why Ben wishes to become a bird?

10. During dinner in Chapter Five, who does Burton tell John carries badger fangs?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

William and Esther have very different approaches to dealing with their son's disability. Compare and contrast their methods and examine which method seems to be more effective. Be sure to use supporting information from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Based on his treatment of each group in the novel, does the author prefer humans or animals? What evidence supports your theory? Which group does the author spend more time describing, and why?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the badger as a symbol of Ben's autism. Does the symbol work? Or does the badger represent something else? Use supporting material from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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