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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 Andy see outside the window that he points out to Laurie?

2. How many parts of the series were originally planned?

3. What kind of car does Uncle Ian drive?

4. Why does Andy come to stay with Laurie's family?

5. What does Uncle Ian say they have been given in order to become part of the brotherhood?

Short Essay Questions

1. Briefly describe what happens when the Tripod arrives at the farmhouse.

2. What does Caroline say happened to Ian and Nathanael?

3. Describe Laurie's relationship with his father.

4. Why doesn't Laurie's family see much of his Aunt and Uncle?

5. Briefly describe Andy and Laurie's sighting of the Tripod.

6. Describe the encounter between the tank and the Tripod.

7. What are some of the ways the boys try to explain away the sounds and sight of the Tripod?

8. What does the author say about a science fiction writer's ability to predict the future?

9. What is the reaction of police when people are reported missing and why?

10. How does the author say the Tripods came to inhabit the Earth?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the Preface, the author says the biggest challenge to writing science fiction is the inability to predict the future. Do you believe this is true? Support your answer with examples from other literary works.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the first two instances in which Laurie sees a Tripod. What are his reactions to each?

Essay Topic 3

What is the Trippy Show? When does Laurie first become suspicious of the purpose of this show? How are his fears confirmed?

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