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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 try to get the dogs to stay at home when he takes hides to his grandfather's store?

2. How many traps does Billy set up near the river in Chapter 7?

3. Who arrives to check on Billy in Chapter 8 when he has not returned home from hunting by morning?

4. What does the Tahlequah schoolboy do that leads Billy to hit him in Chapter 5?

5. Why does Billy become disillusioned with his new hunting traps?

Short Essay Questions

1. What measures does Papa take in Chapter 2 to help Billy deal with his overwhelming desire for two puppies?

2. What is the significance of the abandoned campsite for Billy?

3. How do the puppies react to the first raccoon that they encounter?

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

5. How does Billy's grandfather help him at the beginning of Chapter 9?

6. What memories does the redbone hound stir up for the unnamed old man in Chapter 1?

7. Describe what Billy and the other hunters talk about as they sell their hides in Billy's grandfather's store.

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

9. What is Billy's first impression of the Tahlequah stationmaster? Why does his impression change?

10. How does Billy's family help him while he is trying to cut down the giant sycamore?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Wilson Rawls uses a frame story in this novel. Describe the frame story and discuss how it relates to the main plot line. Then comment on how the novel would be different if the frame story was removed. Be sure to cite examples from the text to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

In Where the Red Fern Grows, a few minor characters have a major impact on the story line. Select one of the following minor characters to analyze: The Pritchard Boys, Mr. Benson, Mama, Papa. Discuss:

1) The personality (character traits) of this character.

2) The relationship between this minor character and the major characters in the story.

3) The impact of this character on the story line: How does s/he influence the overall story line? How would the story be different if this character was removed?

Essay Topic 3

Friendship is an important topic in this novel. Discuss the ways friendship is presented in the book. Then discuss the message the author is trying to make about friendships. In other words, what is his view of friendships? What does he think is important in a friendship. Be sure to cite specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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