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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. What does Gary leave behind at the checkpoint when the rope breaks?

2. How far is the run downhill on day twelve?

3. The weather never rose above what temperature?

4. What was the partial solution to the flies that Paulsen discovered accidentally?

5. What did Paulsen begin to think of, against his will?

Short Essay Questions

1. When does Gary's friend appear again, and what does he do?

2. When did Storm pointedly drop the stick?

3. What was Gary worried about in day four?

4. Why did the stump glow, did Paulsen find out later?

5. What does Gary say the dogs told him while they were in the gully?

6. What does Gary hear that breaks him of the spell that took him not to finish the Run?

7. What tradition did Storm start, and what did it come to mean?

8. On day thirteen, what does Paulsen begin to see everywhere?

9. What did Paulsen eat while stuck in the deep cold?

10. On day nine, who comes and offers Paulsen a proposition? What is this proposition?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the evolution of dogsledding, from when it was the only means of transportation to now being an optional means. What sort of things have become a luxury in the far north as a result of the change in shipping behavior? How has the overall public opinion changed as a result of alternative means of transportation?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,060 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample