Final answer:
A plausible prediction question after reading the given sentence from Jack London's 'The Call of the Wild' would be about the potential difficulties that Buck and other dogs might encounter due to the gold rush. This question would delve into the man versus nature conflict, and Buck's struggle as he transitions from domestic life to the harsh realities of life as a sled dog in the Klondike.
Step-by-step explanation:
A good prediction question to ask after reading the sentence from chapter 1 of Jack London's The Call of the Wild could be: What kind of trouble might Buck and the other dogs face due to the gold rush in the Arctic regions? This anticipatory query sets the stage for understanding the overarching conflict between man and nature, a theme central to the novel.
In the said sentence, London initiates the narrative by subtly hinting at impending chaos for both humans and canines due to the discovery of gold. This discovery leads to a mass movement of individuals seeking fortune, thereby insinuating a potential upheaval in Buck's life and the lives of dogs across the west coast. The passage is illustrative of the tumult that the gold rush is about to bring into the serene existence of the canine protagonist and foreshadows the survival and adaptability challenges that lie ahead.
The prediction question also taps into the novel's exploration of instinct versus the civilizing forces of society, as evidenced by humanity's frenzied exploitation of nature in pursuit of wealth. Buck's journey, as he is thrust into the brutal environment of the Klondike as a sled dog, epitomizes this struggle.