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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. Who does Ratcliff claim is directly responsible for the damages the Tull family incurred as a result of the wild horse stampede?

2. How much money does the court claim Flem Snopes stole from the Armstid family?

3. How does the convict feel about the impending delivery of the pregnant refugee's baby?

4. How long was the tall convict away from prison before he finally returned?

5. What is the true nature of the small island where the convict and the refugee live for the week after the baby is born?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Eck's horse comes into contact with the Tull family?

2. Where is the refugee woman's baby born?

3. What is Ratcliff's reaction to Hipps' arrival in Mississippi?

4. What are Eck's expectations when he enters the court on the day of his trial?

5. How many people in the prison know the true crime that the fat convict committed?

6. What reaction does Doctor Varner have to the news that there has been a wild horse stampede in town?

7. How does Hipps get the auction of his horses started?

8. How many of the wild horses escape from the corral at the end of the auction, and what is the farmer's reaction to this number?

9. Why is Tull outraged with the decision about his case in the courtroom?

10. How is Wallstreet almost injured while helping to prepare the wild horses for their auction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much of the story of the "Spotted Horses" is about trust. First, describe the trust the farmers of Texas have for the entrepreneur that comes into their town. Then, describe whether or not the entrepreneur deserved the trust of the farmers. Be sure to give at least two examples from the text that you believe strengthen your argument.

Essay Topic 2

The moral of the story of "The Bear" has much to do with race relations in the South. First, describe the way that Ike learns his family history of race relations in the South. What is his reaction to this personal history? Then, explain how the bear, Old Ben, is used a symbol to represent race relations in the South. Do you think the bear is an appropriate symbol for this theme? Why or why not? As a reader, how does the symbol of the bear give you a better, deeper understanding of race relations in the South? Be sure to include at least two examples from the text that you think help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout his life, Ike undergoes many rites of passage for Southern men, including the rite of passage of owning land. First, describe how Ike comes to own a large section of hunting land. Then, describe Ike's reaction to the news that he is the owner of this land. How does Ike feel that the history of owning land and the history of the South are inextricably intertwined? Do you agree with Ike's assessment of the land? Why or why not? Be sure to include at least two examples from the text that you believe help strengthen your arguments.

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