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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. When Leif was on the ships, where would he spend time when the boat stopped at a shore or port?

2. In "Sliding Currents," how deep is the water when Leif feels the canoe bump against the shore?

3. In "Dream Story," what does Leif hope to bring back from a dream?

4. How many fish does Leif have smoked when he goes up the long, driving passage in "Dancing Giants"?

5. How are the birds a nuisance in "Current Sliding"?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Cook Camp," why does Leif throw green grass and leaves on his fire?

2. In "Ice," what happens when Leif comes to a small island well offshore and stays there for three days?

3. Why does Leif turn around and go south?

4. How does Leif try to pull away from the whirlpool, and how successful is he?

5. In "Dancing GIants," why does Leif have to tie the canoe off and hang and rest?

6. What is one way Leif learns to get across waves by studying the dolphins?

7. What rhythm does Leif fall into in "Current Sliding"?

8. What is the island like that Leif choses for his cook camp?

9. In "Heartbeat; Sea Pulse," how does Leif make a paddle to replace the one he lost during the whirlpool?

10. What makes Leif realize he is not alone in "Changes; Skin to Wood to Water to Become"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Leif has fond memories of Old Carl. What type of relationship has Leif had with Old Carl? How has Old Carl helped Leif be the person that he is?

Essay Topic 2

Backstories are used to present information about events that happened before events in the novel. How do backstories provide insight into characters and events? What is the importance of backstories in Northwind?

Essay Topic 3

Leif encounters many dangers on his trip north. What are some dangers he encounters? How does he deal with those dangers? What does he learn about dealing with dangers, and how does that knowledge help him survive?

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