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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Dunworthy do after seeing the state of the lab?

2. Who have been brought in with virus symptoms?

3. Who is missing?

4. What evidence does Montoya not find at the excavation site?

5. Why is Latimer unresponsive?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Andrew say when Dunworthy asks him to come work the lab machines? What does it not matter?

2. What does Dunworthy realize when talking to Badri?

3. What does Kivrin write in her Doomsday Book about various victims?

4. What about the virus situation in modern times concerns Dunworthy?

5. What does Kivrin write about the church bells and cemetery?

6. Describe the scene where Kivrin goes to mass with the family and her talk with Gawyn on the way home.

7. What note does the young boy bring from the bishop and why does Kirvin already know its contents?

8. What does Kivrin first do upon realizing the date and what is wrong with the clerk?

9. Describe the discussion between Badri and Dunworthy about Kirvin's time travel.

10. What happens to the envoy and what does Kirvin realize as a result?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter twenty, three men arrive at the manor where Kivrin is staying. In the excerpt from the Doomesday Book, Kivrin notes they are an envoy from the bishop, that they drink readily, and that one had grabbed at Maisry, slipping his hand down the bodice of her gown. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the priest in the Bishop's envoy to Fr. Roche. Who seems genuinely spiritual, compassionate, or living his beliefs?

2. Much has been written about the corruption of the Catholic church over the centuries. Can any large institution, including a religious institution remain totally without corruption? Why or why not?

3. What surprises Kivrin about Fr. Roche? Do her impressions continue throughout the time she is in the past? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Doomsday Book based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if Doomsday Book is a successful novel. Explain your rationale with specific examples.

3. Do you think the fact that Doomsday Book falls within the science fiction genre changes the criteria upon which its success should be judged? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of a book such as Doomsday Book place themselves in the position of someone like Kivrin, wondering about what their response would be in a similar situation. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as the Doomsday Book help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Doomsday Book? Why or why not?

3. Choose one specific incident to discuss and compare Kivrin's response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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