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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 type of line describes the story of "Hamelt?"

2. According to Kurt, what are the arts?

3. What was the name of Kurt's high school?

4. Who, according to Kurt, is not really a humorist?

5. Why did Kurt have to talk to a cop?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was important to Kurt while he was growing up?

2. According to Kurt, what is the importance of an extended family compared to having a small family? Do you agree?

3. What does Kurt make jokes about? What can he not make jokes about?

4. Do you agree with Kurt's assessment that the human race is already doomed?

5. What does Kurt say is the most destructive drug of all? Do you agree?

6. Why does Kurt think "Hamlet" is such a popular story?

7. Who was Ned Ludd?

8. Describe Kurt's process for sending his work to his typist.

9. What is the significance of the timeline for the introduction of the internal combustion engine?

10. What is the story of Hamlet? What story does Kurt compare it to?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay in an informal style that describes what it is like to pursue art as a career. The essay should focus upon:

1) Difficulties faced by those seeking to make money from art.

2) The chances of being able to make a comfortable living from art.

3) How you would feel if your children wanted to be professional artists.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on the topic of mainstream culture, focusing on the formulaic aspect of books, movies, and so on. Be sure to address:

1) Common themes and formulas in mainstream culture.

2) The primary elements of mainstream culture and audience, and what makes something 'mainstream.'

3) The pros and cons of mainstream culture and art.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on the bombing of Dresden during World War Two. Be sure to address:

1) Rationale for bombing Dresden.

2) Public opinion on the bombing.

3) Your own thoughts on the devastation.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 966 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample