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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. Garraty remembers getting water cramps once after drinking a lot of ice-cold water. What activity had made him so thirsty?

2. Baker talks about which of his aunts with the others?

3. What day of the week was it that Garraty found out that he was selected for the Walk?

4. What Walker received his ticket in Augusta in the midst of the cheering?

5. What is the soldier wearing on his wrist?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Pearson's plan for when he feels like he can't go on and why won't it work, according to Garraty?

2. How does Barkovitch respond to Garraty's proposal in Chapter 12?

3. What does Stebbins mean when he says to Garraty, "Maybe it's your edge"?

4. In Garraty's mind, why are there probably pine trees planted on the median in Chapter 11?

5. How does Barkovitch die?

6. In Chapter 15, who is the Vegas favorite? What are his odds and why does it look like Vegas may be right?

7. What is more gruesome about Olson's murder than most of the previous ones? What reactions are there?

8. Explain Parker's analogy about crackers and how they compare to the Walkers.

9. When Garraty resumes walking in Chapter 13, why does he feel resentful?

10. When it becomes inevitable that Scramm will die, what do the other Walkers decide to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 14, Garraty antagonizes Barkovitch, but in the next chapter, Stebbins does the same to him. Why does Garraty do it? Stebbins? Is it for the same or different reasons? Is it a conscious decision that either makes?

Essay Topic 2

The author provides hints about the prize throughout the book. Scramm tells Garraty that most of the boys didn't "get into this thinking of winning the Prize" and implies that this is why they won't win. Later, Pearson indicates the Prize is having his heart's desire, but right now he would rather have his life. Discuss the significance of the Prize in the motivation of the characters.

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 15, Baker says, "all we are is mice in a trap." Discuss this statement. Be sure to include whether you agree or disagree and why.

(see the answer keys)

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