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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 is Old Man Mefford taking to St. Louis in Chapter 43?

2. When does Peabody comment that they were not attacked in Chapter 36?

3. Where in the mountains are the goats that Boone is hunting in Chapter 38?

4. What state is Boone hired to take Peabody to in Chapter 33?

5. Where does Boone first see the set of animal tracks in Chapter 38?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has life changed for Boone and Jim after five years have passed since Boone reconnected with Teal Eye?

2. Which guests stay at the camp with Boone and Jim in Chapter 26?

3. Which things are adding to the level of anger that Boone has as he waits for Jim to return in Chapter 42?

4. What is Jim's condition like in Chapter 37 and what is being done to draw attention to the group?

5. How does Peabody evaluate the crew he is with in Chapter 35?

6. What is Jim wondering about Boone's intentions in Chapter 26?

7. What discussion do Boone and Teal Eye have before he leaves for Oregon?

8. What is Boone's plan to have a life with Teal Eye?

9. Where do Boone and Jim eventually find the remnants of Teal Eye's tribe and what does Boone do when they get there?

10. What does Boone do in order to get the goats back to the camp?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Guthrie uses symbolism, foreshadowing, and the weather to bring his story to life.

1) Analyze three examples of symbolism in The Big Sky.

2) Analyze three examples of foreshadowing in The Big Sky along with the events they foreshadow.

3) Analyze Guthrie's use of the weather and scenery to enhance the events that take place throughout the book, including a description of at least two examples.

Essay Topic 2

Boone leaves home for the second time in the book, bringing the story to a complete circle and returning it to a similar starting point.

1) Describe the interaction that Boone has with his family while he is staying with them towards the end of the story.

2) Explain what happens during the conversation between Boone and Nancy and why it is a significant part in Boone's decision to leave.

3) Compare and contrast the similarities and differences of Boone's reasons for leaving home in the beginning and the end of the story.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the influence that Boone's family has on his travels and the decisions that he makes throughout the book, including his father's role in the trip to Louisville, and the letter that his mother writes to him.

(see the answer keys)

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