View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After leaving the Red Cross boat, what body of water do the convict and the refugee walk along?
(a) The Mississippi River.
(b) The Saint Louis Delta.
(c) The Louisiana Bayou.
(d) The Plaster Creek.

2. Which of the following men is solely responsible for killing Old Ben?
(a) The young boy.
(b) Boon.
(c) McCalsin.
(d) Sam.

3. Where are hunting dogs kept while they are being broken in training?
(a) In a burlap sack.
(b) In a shed.
(c) In a cage.
(d) In a box.

4. In what type of surface is Sam found lying face-down, unconscious after the battle with Old Ben?
(a) Mud.
(b) Gravel.
(c) Water.
(d) Flowers.

5. Which of the following characters believes he has squandered close-range shots when he comes face-to-face with Old Ben?
(a) Major de Spain.
(b) The young boy.
(c) Boon.
(d) Sam.

Short Answer Questions

1. What sound does Ike hear as he is walking through the woods that alerts him to Boon's presence there?

2. What was the name of the war that ended slavery in the South?

3. At the time when most Americans settled their land, from where did they transport most of their slaves?

4. How does Old Ben react when the young boy falls upon him in the bushes?

5. What is the young boy's real name?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Ash attempt to outshine Ike as children, and what was the result of his attempt?

2. What casualties are incurred while Old Ben is fighting for his life in the moments before his death?

3. How old is the young boy at the opening of the story, "The Bear", and what is he waiting to do?

4. What is the reaction from the government when the tall convict turns himself in?

5. What does Ike claim is the curse that has landed in the South?

6. What do the hunters do to pass the time when they are bored on their hunting trips?

7. How do the hunters learn that Old Ben is not an indestructible force of nature?

8. What is the reaction from the townsfolk when news spreads that both Old Ben and Sam are dead?

9. Who or what kills Major de Spain's colt?

10. What happens in the story when the young boy turns sixteen?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,070 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample