Quiz on 'The Last Dog'

Where is Brock at the beginning of “The Last Dog”?

• He is inside a research lab.

• He is beside a running brook.

• He is near a quarantine station.

• He is at the gates of a sealed dome.

Answer explanation

At the beginning of "The Last Dog," Brock is at the gates of a sealed dome, which signifies his isolation from the outside world and sets the stage for the story's exploration of survival and curiosity.

In “The Last Dog,” why is Brock nervous about going outside the dome?

• He realizes that his protective suit may be worn out and may fail.

• He thinks he will run out of liquid and food tablets.

• He has heard that people who leave never return.

• He fears that he may get lost in the mountains.

Answer explanation

Brock is nervous about going outside the dome because he has heard that people who leave never return, which instills fear and uncertainty about the dangers that lie beyond the safety of the dome.

In “The Last Dog,” what does Brock do when he finds the puppy?

• He calls for help on his scanner.

• He takes her inside the dome.

• He leaves her under the tree.

• He searches for her parents.

Answer explanation

In "The Last Dog," when Brock finds the puppy, he takes her inside the dome to protect her, demonstrating his caring nature and the importance of safety in their environment.

What do the scientists plan to do with Brog, the puppy, in “The Last Dog”?

• They plan to experiment on her.

• They plan to free her into the wild.

• They plan to sell her to fund research.

• They plan to breed her with another dog.

Answer explanation

In "The Last Dog," the scientists plan to experiment on Brog, the puppy, as she represents one of the last living dogs. This choice highlights their interest in studying her for research purposes.

At the end of “The Last Dog,” why do the scientists let Brock and Brog leave the dome?

• The scientists have completed their experiments on Brog.

• The scientists want to observe Brock and Brog’s activity outside.

• The scientists think that Brock and Brog have a dangerous disease.

• The scientists realize that Brog will survive only by returning to the wild.

Answer explanation

The scientists realize that Brog will only thrive in the wild, as he is not suited for life in the dome. This understanding leads them to allow Brock and Brog to leave, prioritizing Brog's survival.

Which of the following could best be described as threatening?

• a. a soaring bird

• b. a hungry kitten

• c. a shivering mouse

• d. a hissing rattlesnake

Answer explanation

The hissing rattlesnake is a clear warning sign of aggression and danger, making it the most threatening option. In contrast, the other choices represent non-threatening or vulnerable animals.

If scientists discover the bones of what can correctly be described as an extinct animal, which of the following must be true? Base your answer on the meaning of extinct.

• a. There is evidence that the animal was a warm-blooded creature.

• b. There are no longer any living members of that type of animal.

• c. There is proof that the animal moved from place to place.

• d. There are several species that look similar to the animal.

Answer explanation

The term 'extinct' means that there are no longer any living members of that type of animal. Therefore, option b is correct, as it directly aligns with the definition of extinction.

What is the most likely meaning of mutation in the following sentence? Some cats have a mutation that causes them to have six toes on each paw.

• a. The mutation is a special talent.

• b. The mutation is a serious illness.

• c. The mutation is a genetic variation.

• d. The mutation is something common in cats.

Answer explanation

In this context, 'mutation' refers to a genetic variation that results in cats having six toes on each paw. This aligns with choice c, as it describes a change in the genetic makeup rather than a talent, illness, or common trait.

Read this excerpt from “The Last Dog.” It was, he pulled the scanner from his outside pouch and checked it, “hot.” Oh, that was what he was feeling. Hot. He remembered “hot” from a virtual lesson he’d had once on deserts. From the excerpt, identify what is most likely true about the people who live in the dome.

• a. They tend to forget what they learn in lessons.

• b. They know little about extreme sensations.

• c. They have difficulty identifying words.

• d. They prefer to feel cold rather than hot.

Answer explanation

The character's struggle to identify the sensation of 'hot' suggests that people in the dome have limited experience with extreme sensations, supporting choice b. They likely live in a controlled environment where such experiences are rare.

The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. Part A: Which word best describes how Brock feels about the “ancient fictions” that he interacts with in “The Last Dog”?

• bored

• intrigued

• confused

• suspicious

Answer explanation

Brock feels "intrigued" by the ancient fictions in "The Last Dog" as he engages with them, suggesting a sense of curiosity and interest rather than boredom, confusion, or suspicion.