Gary Paulsen's Hatchet Practice Test

The main idea here is when Brian shifts from waiting for help to taking charge of his own survival. Self-reliance shows up as he starts meeting his needs with his own effort and planning. Building shelter protects him from the elements, making fire gives him warmth and a way to cook food, and learning to fish provides a source of daily nourishment. These actions require him to assess the environment, use skills, gather materials, and solve problems on his own, showing growth and independence.

Watching wildlife or reading survival manuals are helpful experiences, but they’re passive or external aids. Waiting for rescue keeps him in a passive stance, dependent on someone else to save him. The moment he builds shelter, makes fire, and learns to fish marks the turning point where he relies on his own abilities to survive rather than on luck or outside help.