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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Atchafalaya.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does the author say happens in the area of the Atchafalaya River in the spring of 1973?
(a) Freak storms from the north bring snow to the region, freezing the rivers solid.
(b) Three hurricanes devastate the region, leaving millions homeless.
(c) Dry conditions bring the river levels down, grounding countless boats.
(d) River levels rise and surrounding fields are covered in brown floodwater.

2. At one point, Rabalais drives the author first to the Mississippi River and then to the Atchafalaya River, showing him that the Mississippi is 18 feet above sea level while the Atchafalaya is how many feet above sea level?
(a) Nineteen.
(b) Twenty-five.
(c) One.
(d) Five.

3. The author notes that many regard the Old River Project as what?
(a) An arrogant enterprise.
(b) A worthwhile endeavor.
(c) A remarkable feat of engineering.
(d) A colossal expense.

4. Rabalais says he remembers being taught in high school that one day, these would be built:
(a) Ships to travel faster along rivers.
(b) Lighter and sturdier barges.
(c) Skyscrapers along the river banks.
(d) Structures to control water flows.

5. The author asserts that due to floods in the region, Louisiana loses how much land each year?
(a) Seven hundred acres.
(b) Fifty square miles.
(c) A thousand square miles.
(d) Three acres.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the early 1800s, private plantation owners in Louisiana levee riverbanks to:

2. The livelihood of approximately how many people is affected by the Old River Control?

3. A towboat is designed to:

4. A navigation lock on the bank of the Mississippi River lowers ships down to where?

5. The author retells the time when Raphael G. Kazmann walks out onto the five hundred and sixty-six foot structure over the Old River but leaves quickly because:

(see the answer key)

This section contains 333 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample