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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. Who does Ben see on a horse in the distance that sends him scurrying for the burrow in Chapter Eight?

2. Once John manages to mount his horse with Ben, how does Ben react?

3. What animal is Ben following when he initially wanders off during Chapter Seven?

4. With what prized possession does John mark the spot where he finds Ben's missing article of clothing?

5. What does Ben notice is wrong with the badger when she first brings him food?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the MacDonald family allow the badger to move in with them?

2. Why has Ben been unresponsive to his family until he is taken into the house after his rescue?

3. Why do both William and Ben believe they are responsible for William hitting Ben during the badger skinning?

4. Why does the author make a point of saying that Ben cries for his father at the end of Chapter Eight?

5. Describe the fight between Burton and William.

6. Why does Ben go to such lengths to hide Lobo's body after the badger kills him?

7. Why does the search team from North Corners not turn up any sign of Ben in the two days they spend looking?

8. Describe how Ben gets clean after his first night in the badger den.

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

10. Describe the fight between Lobo, Ben, and the badger.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze Ben's intelligence. The author states toward the beginning of the book that Ben is intelligent in his own way, meaning of course that he has some challenges. Overall, based on his actions and thoughts over the course of the novel, is the author correct? Give three examples of instances in which Ben demonstrates his intelligence and explain why these occurrences are relevant.

Essay Topic 2

Ben communicates with humans and with animals, but does not completely communicate with either group. Compare and contrast Ben's communication methods between these groups and explain why he cannot communicate completely with either.

Essay Topic 3

How much of a role does imagery play in the novel? The author spends a lot of time describing nature; would the novel be as effective without these descriptions? Why or why not? Be sure to include supporting information from the text.

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