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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. According to Gary, what is the most important tenet of running dogs?

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

3. In the Prelude, what does Gary notice that finally triggers his "survival code?"

4. How long is the trail that the team runs in "First Snow"?

5. What did Gary ship to each checkpoint for the dogs?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Gary's appearance when he enters the cafe at Nikolai?

3. What is "the Burn?"

4. In "Skwentna," describe the encounter with the moose on the way back to the true trail.

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

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

7. How do the people in Alaska help Gary?

8. Why is "Dogs from Hell" a good title for this chapter?

9. At the Rohn River checkpoint, how does Gary rationalize the idea of quitting the race?

10. What happens as Gary and his team are leaving Ophir?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How do you think Gary's second Iditarod run was different from his first run? Give specific examples of at least three things he would probably do differently. Fully support your choices.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

How does the author use humor to convey his story? Discuss how he uses humor with Ruth, other mushers, and himself.

(see the answer keys)

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