The Call of the Wild Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal
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The Call of the Wild has 7 chapters · 128 pages
As Buck, a mixed breed dog, is taken away from his home, instead of facing a feast for breakfast and the comforts of home, he faces the hardships of being a sled dog.
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Inside the journal: 7 chapter pages, one question each · 3 example answers · a cover for your reader’s name
Chapter by chapter Each question is about its own chapter.
In Chapter 1, how does Buck's life change from Judge Miller's home to the North, and what does he learn from the man with the club?See all 7 questions ↓
About the book
As Buck, a mixed breed dog, is taken away from his home, instead of facing a feast for breakfast and the comforts of home, he faces the hardships of being a sled dog. Soon he lands in the wrong hands, being forced to keep going when it is too rough for him and the other dogs in his pack. He also fights the urges to run free with his ancestors, the wolves who live around where he is pulling the sled.
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The Call of the Wild questions by chapter
We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. One question per chapter, across all 7 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.
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Chapter 1
In Chapter 1, how does Buck's life change from Judge Miller's home to the North, and what does he learn from the man with the club?
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Chapter 2
Chapter 2 uses the idea of the "law of club and fang." What do you think this phrase means, and how does Buck begin to follow this law?
Example answer: I think the "law of club and fang" means that life in the North is ruled by strength and survival. The club stands for humans having power, and the fang stands for the dogs fighting to live. Buck begins to follow this law by watching the other dogs and learning quickly. He learns that he must be tough and smart if he wants to survive.
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Chapter 3
In Chapter 3, how does Buck change as he competes with Spitz, and what does this show about Buck's personality?
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Chapter 4
After Buck becomes lead dog in Chapter 4, what does he do to prove he can lead the team? Use details from the chapter.
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Chapter 5
In Chapter 5, the new owners do not understand the dogs or the trail. What lesson do you think this chapter teaches about listening to advice and caring for animals?
Example answer: I think this chapter teaches that people should listen to advice from those who know more than they do. Hal, Charles, and Mercedes do not understand how hard the trip is for the dogs. They pack too much, feed the dogs badly, and do not treat them kindly. This shows that animals depend on humans to be responsible and caring.
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Chapter 6
In Chapter 6, why is Buck's bond with John Thornton so strong, and which moment best shows their friendship?
Example answer: I think Buck's bond with John Thornton is strong because Thornton saves him and treats him with love. Buck has had many owners, but Thornton is the first one who seems to truly care about him. The moment that best shows their friendship is when Buck saves Thornton from the river. Buck risks his own life, which shows how loyal he is.
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Chapter 7
By the end of Chapter 7, Buck chooses the wild. What do you predict Buck's life will be like after he answers the call of the wild, and why?
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How to use this The Call of the Wild reading journal
At home, as a discussion guide
After each chapter your reader writes a few lines on that chapter’s question. Read the answer together at bedtime: it shows what they understood and gives you something real to talk about, without a quiz.
In class, as a novel study
Print a class set (booklets fold from plain letter paper) and use one question per chapter as the reading-response or literature-circle prompt. The example answers at the front show what a full answer looks like.
Homeschool
One booklet covers the whole book, 7 chapters, so it doubles as the reading log for The Call of the Wild. Reword any question before printing to match your reader.
Printing
The booklet PDF prints on ordinary 8.5 × 11 paper: print double-sided (flip on the short edge) at 100%, fold the stack in half and staple on the fold. There is also a one-page-per-sheet PDF and A5 binder pages.
Where the questions come from
Each question is about its own chapter. We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. The questions were drafted with AI from what is known about the book and checked before publishing; every one is editable before you print.