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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where is Matt supposed to get the the clay for the spaces between the logs in the cabin?
(a) From the soil around the roots of trees.
(b) From the base of the cabin.
(c) From the rver bank.
(d) From the bank of the creek.

2. Who is with Matt in the woods as the story begins?
(a) His father and his two older brothers.
(b) His father and his four older brothers.
(c) His father and his three older brothers.
(d) Only his father.

3. Who is it that apparently appreciates how fond Matt is of molasses and made sure he had some molasses in the cabin?
(a) His mother.
(b) His brother.
(c) His sister.
(d) His father.

4. What is the "white stuff" that has spilled?
(a) Grits.
(b) Flour.
(c) Sugar.
(d) Salt.

5. What is the main source of noise Matt notices in the woods?
(a) Distant gun shots.
(b) Indians.
(c) His own voice.
(d) Animals.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the stranger ask for that Matt doesn't have?

2. Why does Attean have a problem with Matt's sitting next to him?

3. When Attean cooks the fish, how does he get it over the flames?

4. Why does Matt decide that the cause of the break-in couldn't be Indians?

5. What is the name of the town where Matt's family lives?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Matt's garden experience prove to be frustrating?

2. What does Matt reveal in the narration that reveals how sensitive he is to being without a gun?

3. Characterize the relationship that develops between Saknis and Matt.

4. Some might say that by heeding his father's advice Matt makes a mistake. How might one blame Matt's father for Matt being duped?

5. Attean, to say the least, is uncooperative in his first reading lesson. Explain his behavior and the feelings behind this behavior.

6. In what ways does Matt reveal his maturity in this first chapter?

7. Despite Matt's gun being gone, what is happens in Chapter 4 that suggests that Matt is in good spirits?

8. Why is the absence of the rifle so terrible for Matt?

9. In Chapter 11, the reader comes upon the explanation of the title of the novel, "the sign of the beaver." What is the sign of the beaver?

10. Explain why the reader senses that Matt's rescuer is kind and that Matt is safe.

(see the answer keys)

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