Book Punch – The Call of the Wild
Name
Date
Evidence and Inference - Topic 1
The Evidence and Inference topics and their pre-writing questions are listed below. Use this worksheet to
write your answers. Include exact words from the book to support your answers along with the page
number where the text can be found.
Evidence and Inference Topic 1
In the survival novel, "The Call of the Wild," Buck goes from living in a relaxed household in California to
the cold, harsh environment of the Arctic Northland. In order to survive, Buck must change his behavior
and adapt to his new environment. Write a multi-paragraph essay arguing that Buck changes the way he
lives and adapts to his new environment in order to survive. You must write a thesis statement that
expresses this opinion, a body of two or three paragraphs to support your statement, and a concluding
paragraph that sums up this point of view.
Humans>>
1. How does Buck learn to fear his human masters?
2. How does Buck learn to adapt to humans?
Teamwork>>
3. In what way does Buck learn to work with other dogs before he becomes the official leader?
4. How does Buck contribute to the team before he becomes the official leader?
Environment>>
5. How does Buck adapt to the harsh environment of the Arctic Northland?
6. After John Thorton dies, how does Buck adapt to his new life?
Merit Software © 2008
www.bookpunch.com
Book Punch – The Call of the Wild
Name
Date
Evidence and Inference Topic 1 - Essay Plan Worksheet
Each of the points in your plan will be the main idea of a body paragraph in your essay. For an essay with two body
paragraphs use two points in your plan. The boxes below contain the sample thesis statement divided into the Opinion and the
Plan.
Write your own thesis statement below the sample Opinion and Plan.
Then use the boxes below each point of your plan to write at least two supporting points for each body paragraph. Use
words or phrases or page numbers.
Thesis Statement: OPINION
The main character, Buck, adapts to his new environment in order to survive
Thesis Statement: PLAN
Point 1
Humans>>
Point 2
Teamwork>>
Point 3
Environment>>
by coexisting with humans
working with other dogs
and getting used to the harsh
environment
Supporting point
Supporting point
Supporting point
Supporting point
Supporting point
Supporting point
Supporting point
Supporting point
Supporting point
Merit Software © 2008
www.bookpunch.com
Book Punch – The Call of the Wild
Name
Date
Evidence and Inference - Topic 2
The Evidence and Inference topics and their pre-writing questions are listed below. Use this worksheet to
write your answers. Include exact words from the book to support your answers along with the page
number where the text can be found.
Evidence and Inference Topic 2
Buck, a new dog in the pack, battles Spitz, the lead dog, in order to become head of the team. In order for
the dog team members to survive, they need a strong leader to guide them. Buck proves to be a smart
and reliable leader. Write a multi-paragraph essay that argues that Buck is good leader. You must write a
thesis statement that expresses this opinion, a body of two or three paragraphs to support your
statement, giving the qualities Buck possesses that make him a good leader, and a concluding paragraph
that sums up this point of view.
Respect>>
1. What accomplishments help Buck gain the respect of his team?
2. How does Buck lead the team in a way that commands respect?
Knowledge>>
3. How is Buck knowledgeable about surviving in the camp?
4. How does Buck show that he is knowledgeable about sledding?
Determination>>
5. How does Buck show determination when sledding?
6. How does Buck show determination even when John Thorton is killed?
Merit Software © 2008
www.bookpunch.com
Book Punch – The Call of the Wild
Name
Date
Evidence and Inference Topic 2 - Essay Plan Worksheet
Each of the points in your plan will be the main idea of a body paragraph in your essay. For an essay with two body
paragraphs use two points in your plan. The boxes below contain the sample thesis statement divided into the Opinion and the
Plan.
Write your own thesis statement below the sample Opinion and Plan.
Then use the boxes below each point of your plan to write at least two supporting points for each body paragraph. Use
words or phrases or page numbers.
Thesis Statement: OPINION
In the book "The Call of the Wild" Buck is a good leader
Thesis Statement: PLAN
Point 1
Respect>>
Point 2
Knowledge>>
Point 3
Determination>>
because he earns his
teammates' respect
is knowledgeable
and shows a lot of determination
Supporting point
Supporting point
Supporting point
Supporting point
Supporting point
Supporting point
Supporting point
Supporting point
Supporting point
Merit Software © 2008
www.bookpunch.com