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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 do the men of the village of Ghalas-at prepare for the coming ship?

2. Who greets the large Russian man after he says that he comes in peace?

3. What is Karana doing in the Ghalas-at village?

4. Why does Chief Kimki reverse his decision?

5. What helps Karana decide between the two possible sites for a new house?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the men of Ghalas-at village react when the Aleut ship sails into Coral Cove?

2. Karana leaves the island in one of the hidden canoes. She is forced to turn back to the island after the canoe starts to leak badly. On the way back, she has two good fortunes. Describe what these good fortunes are.

3. After Karana finishes building her home, she decides it is time to kill the wild dogs on the island. What does she need to do the job?

4. After the tribe recovers the school of white bass that are stranded on the rocky ledge, two of the Aleuts come to ask for some. What does Chief Chowig tell them?

5. Why didn't Karana want to return to the Island of the Blue Dolphins after her canoe starts to leak?

6. How does Karana build a fence to protect her from the wild dogs?

7. Summarize the description Karana gives of the Island of the Blue Dolphins?

8. Why isn't the autumn and winter peaceful in Ghalas-at, even though there is plenty of food for everyone?

9. How does Karana get sea elephant teeth for her spear points?

10. What events take place after Chief Chowig demands the rest of the chests be brought to shore before the otter pelts are loaded onto the ship?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Summarize how O'Dell uses local color and imagery to describe the island.

2) Cite examples of plants, animals, and sea life described in the novel.

3) Does the imagery O'Dell uses depict a clear and accurate picture of the island?

4) Use examples from the story to justify the answer.

Essay Topic 2

1) Give three examples from the novel when Karana proves her selflessness and loyalty to a family member.

2) Summarize the events leading up to each example.

3) Analyze the consequences of each of Karana's selfless acts.

Essay Topic 3

1) Explain the belief by the tribe of Ghalas-at with regard to women hunting.

2) How does this belief affect Karana when she is stranded on the island?

3) What are her feelings toward the belief?

4) In what way is Karana justified in her reaction to the Ghalas-at belief?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 962 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample