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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. Why does Kairi want to turn back into the slough?

2. What advice does Odder hear in her head following the shark attack?

3. What is the name of the slough where Odder lives?

4. What does hunger do to a shark's mind?

5. What does the shark "wear" as he retreats to deeper waters?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do otters groom their fur so assiduously?

2. Why does Odder head for shore after she is badly injured by the shark?

3. What is usually true when a shark bites an otter?

4. What do Odder's otter friends call her, and what do humans call her?

5. What happens to submerged otter pups in the ocean?

6. What does Odder always want to do, even before eating?

7. What does Odder push Kairi to do in Part I?

8. What did Otter once learn at Highwater?

9. What does hunger do to a shark's mind?

10. What is unique about Odder's personality as a pup?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is Applegate's tale grounded in real-life events, and how do you know? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

How do humans try to introduce otters back into the wild after periods of captivity? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

How does Applegate treat the topic of parenthood throughout the novel, through the lens of otters' experiences? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

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