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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 long does it take Brian to move the raft down the side of the lake to the river?

2. What did the raft weigh approximately when Brian started?

3. What word does Brian use to describe how his muscles feel, in Chapter 23?

4. What did the raft weigh at the end of the journey?

5. How thick are the logs that Brian chooses for the raft?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Brian consider when the wood he chooses for the raft is soft?

2. How does Brian nearly miss seeing the raft?

3. What does Brian do to protect Derek from the sun?

4. Why does Brian decide that he was foolish to leave the lake and trust the map?

5. Why does Brian decide he can't leave Derek to go for help?

6. What is determined about Derek's condition, and how well does he recover?

7. What does Brian decide when he hears a whooshing sound, at the end of Chapter 21?

8. What does Brian see when the raft wheels around a bend?

9. How does Brian position Derek on the raft?

10. Why does Brian decide he has to swim to find the raft?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Brian decides he has to get help and to take Derek with him. Discuss why Brian decides he has to get help and has to take Derek with him.

Essay Topic 2

There are times when there is anxiety and uncertainty that lead to suspenseful moments. Discuss suspense and how Paulsen uses suspense in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Many times in the novel, Brian struggles with nature and with himself. Discuss conflict in the novel and how it affects the plot.

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