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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. How does the other musher's lead dog die on the trapping trail?

2. How often does Gary harness his "problem" dogs?

3. What does Ruth say to Gary when she brings him soup in "Beginnings"?

4. What time does the banquet end?

5. How do the dogs react when Marge enters the camp?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the first chapter, what amazes Gary about Marge and the grouse?

2. Describe the moose encounter at The Burn.

3. What is the challenge of running from Koyuk to Nome?

4. Why is Gary horrified when he first views Dalzell Gorge?

5. How does the red-bearded musher in "Alaska" react when his lead dog bites Gary?

6. In "Finger Lake," how does Gary justify eating the meat that has mixed with the dog chow?

7. What goes wrong for Gary between the start of the race and the time he rejoins the trail?

8. Describe Gary's fear when he learns his diagnosis in "An End."

9. What is "the Burn?"

10. Why does Gary think The Interior resembles another planet?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What positive experiences does Gary take away from his experience training for and running of the Iditarod? Discuss at least four.

Essay Topic 2

What are some of the biggest mistakes Gary makes while running dogs? Include mistakes he makes while training, as well as those he makes during the race.

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.

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