As Wally grows closer to adulthood, he is beginning to think more about his future and where school comes into play. This attitude diverges with Beaver's, who doesn't apply himself at school. All Beaver wants to do is have fun. Although June believes this is a typical attitude of a boy Beaver's age, Ward begins to get concerned that Beaver won't ever develop good study habits. Of late, Beaver has felt left out of family conversations, which seem to becoming more serious, especially about Wally's future. Later, Mrs. Rayburn announces that Beaver's class will be taking an IQ test. Beaver worries that he will fail the test, go to "dumb school", not be accepted into college, and in the process disappoint his parents, unlike what Wally seems to be doing. Beaver doesn't quite understand the nature of the test, or the difference between being naturally intelligent and applying oneself to life's tasks and obligations.
—Huggo