View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where do Julia and George post Ivan's painted message?

2. According to Stella, what is the hardest part of being a parent?

3. Why did Ivan's sister die?

4. How did Ivan break his toes?

5. Why is George reluctant to report Mack for striking Ruby?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ivan console Ruby after Stella's death?

2. How does Mack train Ruby to replace Stella?

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

4. Why does Ivan draw?

5. Why was Ivan able to survive the transition from the jungle to a human habitat while his sister died?

6. According to Ivan, how are young gorillas and young humans alike?

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

8. How do the animals know that a new animal is arriving at the mall?

9. How does Ivan's appearances at the mall as a young gorilla compare to his experiences at the mall as an adult gorilla?

10. How do Ivan and his sister get their (original) names?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Part of Ivan’s story is told through flashbacks. What event prompts Ivan to begin to remember his past? What does Ivan remember? How do these memories affect the decisions he makes?

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

Describe Ivan’s relationship with Julia. What do they have in common? How are they different? How does Julia help Ivan throughout the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,213 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample