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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. What does Arliss do when Travis yells at him?

2. What does Little Arliss do to Sanderson?

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

4. What does Travis compare Little Arliss' screaming to?

5. Who named Birdsong Creek?

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize why Mama names the area in which they live Birdsong Creek.

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

3. Summarize the items that Little Arliss brings home in his pockets.

4. What is Burn Sanderson's offer regarding Old Yeller and why doesn't Mama accept it?

5. Describe the situation when Travis shoots the deer.

6. Describe what Travis reveals about his relationship with Old Yeller in the beginning of the chapter.

7. Describe the situation that Travis sees when he hears Little Arliss screaming and runs to help him.

8. Explain the disturbing news that Lisbeth gives to Travis.

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

10. Explain why Travis doesn't want to shoot a javelina hog.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Evaluate the elements of cause and effect in the story using examples from the novel.

2) Choose three events from the story which cause Travis life to undergo a change.

3) How does he react to the events and their effects?

4) How does he grow emotionally in his own life and in his attitude toward his family because of these changes?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

1) Write an introduction for the novel discussing Fred Gipson's writing style, use of dialogue, imagery, and the point of view of the characters.

2) How do these literary elements affect the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 670 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample