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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 Stella say elephant hearts are made of?

2. How did Ruby's parents die?

3. Who is Ruby?

4. Where was Ivan born?

5. According to Stella, why are elephants superior to apes?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mack delay in calling a vet for Stella?

2. How does Ivan convince George and Julia to post his sign on the mall billboard?

3. How does Helen's painting inspire Ivan and what were the consequences of Ivan's attempt to create refrigerator art?

4. Why does George place his job in danger in order to help Ivan?

5. Why does Mack buy Ruby?

6. How does Ruby's curious and questioning nature affect Ivan?

7. In the story, how are wild elephants like Ruby trained to perform tricks?

8. Why does Ivan draw?

9. How does Mack train Ruby to replace Stella?

10. How does Ivan react to Ruby's first solo act in Mack's show?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Ivan envies Julia’s ability to draw things that “aren’t real”. Why do you think Ivan only draws things he can see? What is the importance of imagination in his decision to paint the sign to free Ruby? How does Ivan learn to use his imagination while he paints Ruby’s sign?

Essay Topic 3

Ivan promises Stella he will make sure Ruby does not spend her life in the mall. Why do you think Ivan made that promise? Do you think Ivan intended to keep that promise when he made it? Why or why not? What event prompted Ivan to fulfill his promise?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,217 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample