Call of the Wild

Based on his actions during Buck's demonstration, which statement is most likely true of Thornton?

• he is a kind master

• he angers Buck often

• he often bets on Buck

• he is a reckless man

He was in perfect condition, without an ounce of excess flesh, and the one hundred and fifty pounds that he weighed were all pounds of grit and forcefulness. His furry coat shone like silk. His great breast and heavy fore legs were no more than in proportion with the rest of the body, where the muscles showed in tight rolls underneath the skin.

• This description appeals to the sense of sight.

• This description appeals to the sense of smell.

• This description appeals to the sense of hearing.

• This description appeals to the sense of taste.

According to the selection, how does Buck express his love for Thornton?

• by licking Thornton's face

• by growling at at Matthewson

• by pulling Thornton out of the snow

• by pulling the heavy sled

Which prediction is best supported by the details in the selection?

• Thornton will sell Buck to the highest bidder

• Thornton will become a wealthy man

• Thornton will never accept another challenge

• Thornton will have to leave town in shame

How does the weather affect the difficulty of the bet?

• the ground is slippery

• the runners are frozen to the snow

• the flour on the sled is frozen

• Buck is cold and tired

What is the effect of the author's use of a third-person-limited point of view?

• to let readers understand the thought processes of a dog

• to help readers follow the events of the story better

• to make sure readers understand how cold it was

• to let readers get to know Thornton and Buck

Which statement best summarizes the theme of the selection?

• betting rarely pays off

• The masses are usually right

• big bets result in big efforts

• kindness is often rewarded with effort

In paragraph 6, Thornton's "tongue had tricked him." What does that phrase mean?

• He had no control over his tongue

• his tongue was moving a lot

• he did some tricks with his tongue

• he said something he didn't mean to say