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. How does Crackers seem when Gary works ointment into the dog's feet at the beginning of the book?

2. Why doesn't Gary shoot the beaver in "Beginnings" after he aims his gun?

3. What is the setting at the beginning of the book?

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

5. How long does it take Gary to get to Alaska?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Gary think that it's almost impossible to "see wild thinking?"

2. When Gary hears his diagnosis at the end of the book, what does he think about? Be specific.

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

4. According to Gary, what are "problem" dogs?

5. Describe Gary's run in The Yukon.

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

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

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

9. What shape is Gary in when he reaches the town of Nikolai?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role of setting in the book. Include a discussion of time and at least four places.

Essay Topic 2

Write a summary of the book. Include highlights of training, highlights of Gary's first race, and Gary's overall experience with the race. Weave the text into a coherent essay with distinct paragraphs and with transitions.

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)

This section contains 844 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample