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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 saves Little Arliss from the attacking bear?

2. What is the color of the two bulls?

3. Why does Sanderson get off his horse and approach Little Arliss?

4. When does Travis begin to love Old Yeller?

5. What keeps Travis and Old Yeller busy all night long?

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize the fight between the two bulls.

2. Describe why Travis goes to the Salt Licks to hunt for deer.

3. Explain what Old Yeller does when Travis comes out of the cabin with the whip.

4. Summarize Old Yeller's condition when he returns home after rescuing Little Arliss.

5. Describe the situation when Travis shoots the deer.

6. Explain why Travis doesn't want another dog.

7. What does Travis discover when he returns home that makes him angry at the yeller dog again?

8. Describe the bulls that come near the cabin to fight with one another.

9. Describe the situation when Travis finds Spot and her new calf.

10. Explain why Travis' father is travelling to Abilene, leaving Travis in charge of the family.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Analyze the impact of the Civil War on the American economy as described in the novel.

2) What result does this economy have on the lives of Papa, Travis, Mama, and Little Arliss?

3) Predict how different their lives would have been if the war had not affected the economy.

Essay Topic 2

1) Summarize how Fred Gipson uses local color and imagery to describe the cabin and Birdsong Creek.

2) Cite descriptive examples of the interior and exterior of the cabin, the area around Birdsong Creek, and the places Travis and Old Yeller travel during the novel.

3) How does the imagery Gipson uses depict a clear and accurate picture of the cabin and surrounding landscape?

Essay Topic 3

1) Compare and contrast the actions of the puppy at the end of the novel with the actions of Old Yeller in the beginning of the novel.

2) How do the actions of the puppy help Travis out of his depression over Old Yeller's death?

3) What emotions does Travis express when he sees Little Arliss and the puppy in the drinking water?

4) Discuss the conflicting emotions Travis reveals and explain his future plans for the puppy.

(see the answer keys)

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