View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Gary say when Ruth asks if he had a rough night after looking for the dogs and bike?

2. How often should a dog's feet be examined while running the Iditarod?

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

4. Where does Gary get the old bike he uses for dog running?

5. What awakens Gary while he is training for his second Iditarod?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why do you think the chapter is called "An End"?

3. Describe Don's Cabin. How did it get its name?

4. How cold does it get during the Yukon part of the race?

5. At the end of the book, what does Gary ask his friend to do? Why?

6. How does the snow accumulate in northern Minnesota?

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

8. How do the dogs show their desire to run in the first snow of the season?

9. What terrifies Gary during his run in the first snow?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's writing style. Be sure to discuss the person he uses, the tone, and writing techniques that he uses. What is the overall effect for the reader?

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

Discuss how Gary conveys his ignorance in "Beginnings", "Dogs from Hell", "Major Wrecks", "Pre-Race", and during the race. Why do you think he shares his ignorance with the reader?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 903 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample