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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. How did the seal die?

2. What does Mack do with Ivan's drawings?

3. What does Ivan call the spit-pebble children?

4. Where did Stella live before she was sold to Mack?

5. Who is Mack?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Stella mean when she tells Ivan, "Old age is a powerful disguise"?

2. What is the purpose of the billboard outside the mall?

3. What do Ivan and Stella have in common?

4. How does Ivan react when he sees another gorilla on his television?

5. How does Ivan compare humans to chimps?

6. Why does Mack give George money to buy new crayons for Julia?

7. Why does Bob avoid most humans?

8. Why do silverback gorillas pound their chests?

9. What does Ivan watch on TV?

10. What is a claw-stick?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

If you had to choose one essential message or theme to describe the purpose of Ivan’s story, what would it be? Explain how Ivan learns or experiences this theme. Can you think of a situation in which humans might experience this theme as well?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the role the claw-stick plays in the story. Compare how Mack views the use of the claw-stick with how the other characters view its use. What role does the claw-stick play in the release of the animals? How could this be described as ironic?

Essay Topic 3

Why is Ivan hesitant to join the gorilla troop at the zoo? How does he learn to fit in with the other gorillas? Can you think of a similar situation that might occur among groups of humans?

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