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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. Why does Billy refuse his father's suggestion of what to do the morning after his pups have treed their first raccoon?

2. How does Billy's overwhelming desire for hound puppies affect him physically?

3. How does Billy's grandfather help him get the item he needs to train the dogs as trackers?

4. Where does Billy camp with the puppies in Chapter 5?

5. What fear must Billy help the puppies overcome?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the incident in with the muskrat den.

2. How do Billy's feelings about his family's home change when he returns home from his journey to Tahlequah?

3. Describe the events between the tree falling down and Billy's return home.

4. What concerns Mama about Billy's obsession with hunting?

5. How do Billy's parents react to him asking how far it is to Kentucky? What information are they lacking?

6. Describe "The Big Tree".

7. What does Billy do when he despairs that he cannot finish cutting down the tree? What happens after he does so?

8. Based on information in Chapter 1, why does the unnamed old man take such an interest in the redbone hound?

9. Compare and contrast Billy and his father's views of the town of Tahlequah.

10. Describe the process Billy's grandfather teaches him for trapping raccoons.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several characters who influence the person that Billy becomes. Select the two characters who you believe have the greatest impact on his development and:

1) describe each character's actions or beliefs as they relate to Billy.

2) discuss the impact of this character on Billy's life and personality.

3) discuss why you selected each particular character. What about each character made him/her more of an influence on Billy than others?

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Old Dan and Little Ann share many common traits, but they are also very different. Compare and contrast the two dogs focusing both on their physical and personality traits. Be sure to cite examples from the text to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Billy goes through several rites of passage in this novel. Describe at least two events that help usher him into adulthood. Then discuss how these events help make him a "man." Be sure to cite several examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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