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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. At the beginning of Chapter Seven, what is the furthest away from home Ben has ever been?

2. How old is John in Chapter Eleven as he searches for his baby brother?

3. Why does Ben initially decide not to head for home in Chapter Seven?

4. What tool does Ben use to enlarge the burrow in Chapter Eight?

5. What hiding place does Ben stumble into during the storm in Chapter Seven?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Ben afraid of the badger when she returns to her den and finds him there?

2. Describe the change in the MacDonald family's behavior toward Ben after the incident with Burton's badger, and Ben's response to the change.

3. Describe the process by which Ben cleans the badger's injured paw.

4. Why does John decide to use his prized rifle to mark the spot where he found Ben's shoe, as the rifle will certainly be ruined?

5. Describe the fight between Burton and William.

6. What are William's thoughts when Ben asks if the badger will live?

7. Why does Ben retreat to the burrow and hide when he sees Burton and Lobo riding nearby?

8. Why is William initially unconcerned about Ben's location in Chapter Nine?

9. Describe why the MacDonald family finally accepts Ben's story as complete truth.

10. Why does the search team finally call off their search for Ben after two days?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ben's relationship with his father evolves a number of times throughout the story. Analyze and discuss these changes and how the different stages of their relationship affects each of them. Use supporting information from the text.

Essay Topic 2

The concept of man versus nature is a recurrent one throughout literature. Examine and explain the ways in which this novel addresses this age-old debate. Use information from the text to support the paper.

Essay Topic 3

Can the novel be accurately described as a coming-of-age story? Why or why not? What characteristics of that genre apply? Are there characteristics that do not apply? Support your answer with examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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