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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. Where does the trapping trail outside of Anchorage end?

2. Why isn't Gary worried when he doesn't see any other teams on the trail after he leaves Anchorage?

3. How long does Gary spend in the back of the truck with the dogs when he brings them home from Canada?

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

5. When does the Prelude take place?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the interchange between Gary and the old man in Unalakleet.

3. What paradox of the race does Gary write about in "Alaska"?

4. In the last chapter, how does the doctor tell Gary about Gary's test results?

5. What happens to the musher who leaves Shaktolik just before Gary does?

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

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

8. How does Cookie warn Gary about thin ice in Norton Sound?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the sacrifices made for the race by Gary, the dogs, Ruth, and Gary's son. Do you think they would say the sacrifices were worth it?

Essay Topic 2

Who are the main people, animals, and places in the book? Describe them physically if you can, and describe their personalities. Why is each of these important?

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)

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