Shiloh

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. Who does Shiloh belong to?

2. What immoral behavior has Marty witnessed in Judd before meeting Shiloh?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What about Shiloh’s look and mannerisms cause Marty to believe he may have been abused?

2. What does Dad tell Marty when Marty asks about reporting animal abuse? What does it reveal about Marty’s cultural background?

3. What does Marty decide to do to help Shiloh? How does he decide to go about it?

Paired Resource

“A Brief History of Dogs”

• This 5-minute video explores the origins of dogs.
• Shared themes include Love and Loyalty.
• Where did dogs originate from? How did they evolve into modern dogs? In what way does Shiloh exhibit signs of a domesticated animal?

Chapters 4-6

Reading Check

1. What did Marty find in the woods with a bullet in its head, prompting him to suspect Judd may be responsible?

2. Which of Marty’s friends intend to visit him?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why is Marty afraid he won’t be able to take care of Shiloh?

2. Why might Marty’s suspicions about the creature he found in the wood be correct? What does Judd threaten to do to Shiloh if he finds him?

3. What does Marty believe about lying? Why is it problematic that he is lying to his parents?

Paired Resource

“Is It Ever Okay to Tell a Lie?”

• This article explores the connection between white lies and potential consequences.
• Shared themes include Moral Ambiguity and Dishonesty, Secrets, and Lies.
• Why is intent important when deciding to tell a white lie? Why should the fallout be taken into consideration if the lie is revealed? What is Marty’s intent behind his lie? What could the potential fallout for Marty be?

Chapters 7-9

Reading Check

1. What is David’s new pet?

2. What nonexistent condition do the people of Friendly ask Ma about?

3. What type of dog attacks Shiloh in his pen? 

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How do Marty’s lies start to add up after his initial lie about Shiloh? How do the people in Friendly react to Marty’s lies?

2. What causes Ma to become suspicious of Marty’s behavior? How does Ma compromise her own morals after her discovery?

Paired Resource

“Man’s Best Friend, Our Relationship to Dogs”

• This article explores the psychological and physical benefits of dogs.
• Shared themes include Love and Loyalty.
• How are dogs beneficial to humans? How does Marty benefit from Shiloh’s company? What implicit and explicit evidence can you identify to support your claim?

Chapters 10-12

Reading Check

1. Where do Dad and Marty take Shiloh after he’s injured?

2. Who does Judd learn about Shiloh’s injuries from?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Dad react to Marty’s deception? What does he insist Marty must do in the future?

2. What are the negative consequences Marty identifies because of his lies to his parents?

3. What are the Preston’s reactions to Shiloh?

Paired Resource

“Why the Secrets You Keep Are Hurting You”

• This article explores the detrimental effects of secrets on health.
• Shared themes include Dishonesty, Secrets, and Lies, Moral Ambiguity, and Love and Loyalty.
• What is the most harmful aspect of secret-keeping? Why is it helpful to reveal secrets? How does Marty feel after his secret is revealed? What are the emotional consequences of his secret?

Chapters 13-15

Reading Check

1. What does Judd shoot illegally?

2. What is the fine for shooting an animal illegally?

3. What does Judd give Marty on his last day of work?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What schemes does Marty concoct to save Shiloh? What deal do Marty and Judd make so that Marty can have Shiloh?

2. How does Judd attempt to manipulate Marty into giving up on Shiloh? What does this reveal about Judd?

Recommended Next Reads 

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

• This novel is about a girl who befriends a stray dog after moving to a new town.
• Shared themes include Love and Loyalty and Moral Ambiguity.
• Shared topics include pets as best friends, caring for neglected creatures, and coming-of-age.
• Because of Winn Dixie on SuperSummary

Wish by Barbara O’Connor

• This novel is about an 11-year-old girl who struggles to adjust to a new life in North Carolina.
• Shared themes include Love and Loyalty and Moral Ambiguity.
• Shared topics include pets as friends, southern literature, and disadvantaged families.
• Wish on SuperSummary