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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. During race training, how long does Marge stay with Gary and his team?

2. What is Gary's number for the race?

3. Where does the trapping trail outside of Anchorage end?

4. What is something Gary does NOT ask at the pre-race rookie meeting?

5. The Canadian dogs remind Ruth of what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What "absolute fundamental knowledge" scares Gary at the end of the Prelude?

2. Why does Gary stop trapping, killing, and hunting animals?

3. Describe the manner in which Gary and his team make it down Happy Canyon.

4. What is "the Burn?"

5. Describe how Gary and his team descend into Dalzell Gorge.

6. In "Alaska," what does Gary mean when he writes, "Sleep died early"?

7. To what is Gary referring when he writes in the fourth chapter, "When it first happens it is frightening--like watching Dr. Jekyll turn into Mr. Hyde"?

8. Describe Gary's experience with the campfire outside of Kaltag?

9. Why does the race start in downtown Anchorage?

10. In "An End," what is the difference between Gary's version of a normal life and his doctor's version?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the author use writing to convey emotion? Discuss his techniques for conveying emotion in "Prelude", "Pre-Race", "Dalzell Gorge and the Burn", "Don's Cabin", and "An End."

Essay Topic 2

Which three portions of the race do you think Gary would consider most mentally challenging? Fully support each of your choices.

Essay Topic 3

Why do you think the author chooses to begin the book with a foreshadowing incident? Give at least three possible reasons and fully support each.

(see the answer keys)

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