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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. Why does Paulsen have problems with wildlife?

2. How many hours did the dogs run without a break?

3. How many did this animal manage to kill?

4. What didn't Paulsen know?

5. What did Gary begin training his dogs for?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Gary know he was in trouble?

2. How does Gary frequently feel while running dogs?

3. What would the grouse chicks do at first when mother called, and what happened when they didn't?

4. What is the greatest paradox about understanding the woods?

5. What did Paulsen not know about dog feed?

6. What did Gary think he was doing when he picked up the grouse eggs?

7. What situation occurred to make Paulsen do something he didn't want to do?

8. What excited Gary's dogs?

9. What kinds of preparations need to be done before Paulsen can go to sleep?

10. What happens in serious cold?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Paulsen's experience on the Iditarod trail. Compare them to his experiences on his trail at home. What changes in the over all tone of the Run section? Discuss at least three different ways the second section contrasts to the first.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the things Paulsen learned at the expense of his dogs health and welfare. What changes might he have made, early on, knowing now what he does, and how might he have done things differently?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Paulsen's lessons of mercy throughout the novel. How might this have changed his attitude in regards to the dogs, and in regards to other people? Suggest an explanation for this utilizing quotes from the book.

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