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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. When did Billy return to the Ozarks to visit the dogs' graves?

2. Why do the dogs pounce on a large scary animal in Chapter 18 that Old Dan had treed?

3. What surprises the hunting contest judge about Billy's dogs' final catch?

4. Where does the "ghost coon" ultimately head for at the end of Chapter 12?

5. Which of the following is NOT something Billy believes would be at the dogs' grave sites years later?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how Billy's dogs catch the first two raccoons of the final round of the hunting competition.

2. Years after leaving the Ozarks, what does Billy imagine he would find if he should ever visit the dogs' graves?

3. What does Mr. Benson tell Billy that concerns him? What does Billy discover is actually true?

4. Why does Rainie Pritchard suggest that Billy should accept that his dogs cannot catch the "ghost coon"?

5. Describe Billy's thoughts as he travels from his grandfather's store to his family's home after finding out about the hunting competition.

6. Describe the legend of the red fern.

7. What warnings do Billy's father and grandfather give him about hunting in bad weather?

8. Describe the role Old Blue plays in Chapter 13.

9. Describe the struggle between Billy's dogs and the mountain lion.

10. How does Billy's family react to the news of the hunting competition?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Billy grows and changes as a character as the novel progresses. At the same time, he holds to a core set of values. Compare and contrast Billy at several different stages in his development. Be sure to cite examples from the text to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The Ozark Mountains are an important setting in the novel. Discuss the significance of this setting focusing on its impact on plot and character development. Be sure to cite several examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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